Posted on: Friday, August 6, 2004

Childhood vaccination rate hits record 82.8% in state

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Health Writer

Hawai'i's childhood immunization rate last year reached a record 82.8 percent, which is slightly higher than the national rate of 81.3 percent, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That was an improvement from the state's previous rate of 80.9 percent for children ages 19 months to 36 months.

The state had had enviable immunization rates for years. But three years ago, Hawai'i dropped from 19th in the nation to 47th. To fight that trend, public and private health officials renewed the push for vaccinations two years ago.

Dr. Chiyome Fukino, the state health director, said the educational effort has helped to raise awareness about the importance of timely vaccinations for young children. She said shots are the best protection available from dangerous diseases like measles, whooping cough and hepatitis B.

Hawai'i law requires childhood vaccinations for school entry, which has resulted in high immunization rates for school-age children, but officials have been concerned that younger children are behind on their shots.

State epidemiologist Dr. Paul Effler encourages parents to talk to their doctors to ensure that children are up-to-date for all their shots by age 2.

"We are pleased with our progress in attaining a high level of coverage but concerned that a substantial number of children in Hawai'i still aren't adequately protected from vaccine-preventable diseases," Effler said.

Experts noted earlier that some people were delaying their children's vaccinations because they lacked health insurance. But officials say that free or low-cost shots are available. Call Aloha United Way 211 for information.

For more information about infant immunization, visit www.vaxhawaii.com or call the state Health Department at 586-8332. Neighbor Islands can call toll-free at (800) 933-4832.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2429.