A new report released Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows gaps remain in Vaccines for Children, a federally funded program to provide free vaccines to low-income families, with lower vaccination coverage among children living in poverty remaining a persistent problem. This study comes on the heels of another study by the CDC which found that over the past 30 years, routine childhood vaccinations have prevented approximately 508 million cases of illness, 32 million hospitalizations and 1.1 million deaths.
But despite these substantial health benefits, attitudes toward childhood vaccinations have shifted, and they are increasingly tough sell. A Gallup poll published recently found that just 40% of Americans think it’s “extremely important” for children to get vaccinated, down from about 64% in 2001. Reaching families at or below the poverty line can be even more difficult.
CDC officials pointed to a lack of confidence and a lack of access to vaccines as key reasons for the lower rates among VFC eligible children. They noted vaccine uptake in the first year of life is generally higher and then falls especially among vaccinations requiring multiple doses over several years. “We need to do more,” said CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr.
Debra Houry at a press briefing Tuesday. “Health care providers are our crucial partners to increase the number of children who complete their vaccine series and reach those children living below the poverty level .