title: Overcoming Challenges to Childhood Immunizations Status.
abstract: Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements, preventing both mortality and morbidity. However, overall immunization rates are still below the 90% target for Healthy People 2020. There remain significant disparities in immunization rates between children of different racial/ethnic groups, as well as among economically disadvantaged populations. There are systemic issues and challenges in providing access to immunization opportunities. In addition, vaccine hesitancy contributes to underimmunization. Multiple strategies are needed to improve immunization rates, including improving access to vaccines and minimizing financial barriers to families. Vaccine status should be assessed and vaccines given at all possible opportunities.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Downtown Health Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, 1020 North 12th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA. Electronic address: ssabnis@mcw.edu.
authors: Svapna S
authors: SS
authors: Sabnis
authors: Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, 600 Highland Avenue, H4/450 CSC, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
authors: James H
authors: JH
authors: Conway
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D014612:Vaccines
chemical_list: D014612:Vaccines
keywords: Childhood immunization; Health disparities; Immunization information systems; Missed opportunities; Vaccine hesitancy; Vaccines