DHSS Press Release

DELAWARE'S CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION RATES ABOVE NATIONAL AVERAGE

Delaware ranks ninth highest in the nation for immunization of children ages 19-35 months, according to the National Immunization Survey released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week. Based on 2007 data, Delaware's immunization rate for pre-school children was 80.3 percent, exceeding the national average of 77 percent. Delaware's rates for 2005 and 2006 were 81.6 and 80.3 percent respectively.

The National Immunization Survey shows completion of the preschool vaccine series that includes four doses of diphtheria-tetanus and pertussis, three of polio, one of measles, three of Haemophilus influenza type B, three of hepatitis B, and one of chickenpox.

Delaware's high coverage is attributed to the Division of Public Health's (DPH) successful collaboration with parents, healthcare providers and childcare organizations. DPH supports this collaboration by visiting physician offices to evaluate and improve immunization practices and conducting surveys of daycare centers to remind parents of children missing shots to visit their doctors. DPH encourages birthing hospitals to administer the first hepatitis B vaccine dose before discharging infants.

"By conducting a neonatal hepatitis B vaccination survey and providing feedback to birthing facilities, DPH has ensured that Delaware's infant hepatitis B dose rates are among the highest in the nation," said Dr. Jaime Rivera, DPH director.

For more information about immunizations contact DPH's immunization program at 1-800-282-8672 or visit www.dhss.delaware.gov/dph

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.