Vaccines are one of the greatest achievements of science and public health. Prior to the development of vaccines, many childhood diseases occurred in epidemic proportions. Although outbreaks still occur, the number of vaccine-preventable-diseases has been dramatically reduced. Prior to the polio vaccine, between 13,000 and 20,000 cases of paralytic polio occurred. Development of the polio vaccine eliminated wild polio in the U.S. and the entire western hemisphere. Before measles immunizations were available, there were approximately three to four million measles cases each year. Widespread use of the measles vaccine has led to a greater than 99% reduction in measles. Before Hib vaccine became available, Hib was the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the infants and children. Hib meningitis caused 600 deaths in children and left many with deafness or mental retardation. Since the introduction of Hib vaccine, the number of Hib cases has declined by 97%. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has been developed that aids in the fight against bacteremia, meningitis and chronic ear infections. This vaccine will help prevent pneumococcal disease in children under age two years of age. Without the protection of vaccines, epidemics of vaccine-preventable-diseases would return, resulting in increased illness, hospitalizations, and lost time from work.

Based on the 2006 National Immunization Survey, 68.1% of Utah's two-year-olds are adequately immunized for age. The national average is currently 76.1%. The statewide goal, as well as the national goal, is to achieve 90% immunization levels.

Vaccines are available to protect against the following diseases:

chickenpox
measles
mumps
rubella
diphtheria
tetanus
pertussis
Haemophilus influenzae type b
polio
hepatitis A
hepatitis B
pneumococcal disease
meningococcal disease (recommended for adolescents and adults)
influenza
rotavirus

Children need 80% of their vaccinations by two years of age. If a child stays on schedule, these immunizations can usually be provided in just five visits to a clinic or doctor's office.

The following vaccinations are routinely recommended by age two:

• 4 doses of Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (DTaP)
• 4 doses of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• 3 doses of Polio (IPV)
• 3 doses of Hepatitis B (HBV)
• 2 doses of Hepatitis A
• 1 dose of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
• 1 dose of Varicella (VZV) or Chickenpox
• 4 doses of pneumococcal conjugate (PCV)
• 1 annual vaccination against Influenza for children 6 to 59 months of age
• 3 doses of rotavirus

Vaccinations are generally given at birth, 2, 4, 6 and 12-18 months of age. Booster doses of DTaP, Polio and MMR are needed when a child is 4-6 years of age.

Vaccinations can still be given when a child is mildly ill or is convalescing from a mild illness. Children who have a slight fever, cold symptoms, upset stomach, ear infections or taking antibiotics can be vaccinated

Children can vaccinated at various locations, such as private physicians’ offices or public health clinics. Public health clinics provide immunizations at a low cost and no one is denied childhood vaccinations due to an inability to pay.

Keep accurate records of childhood vaccinations. It is important to keep a record of childhood vaccinations in a secure place. Immunization records should be checked and updated each time immunizations are given. It will be necessary to provide these immunization records when a child enrolls in child care, head start or school.

Further information about vaccinations can be obtained by contacting your local health department, private physician or the Immunization Hotline at 1-800-275–0659.

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