Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

PROVIDENCE R.I. -- Rhode Island led the country in the percentage of children, ages six months to 23 months, immunized with the influenza vaccine during the 2007-08 flu season.

Forty percent of the kids in that age group were inoculated through the state Department of Health's childhood immunization program, spokeswoman Annemarie Beardsworth said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognized the department with an award for its coverage rate at the recent National Immunization Conference.

"HEALTH is proud to lead the nation in childhood immunization efforts," Director David R. Gifford said. "We want to continue to do the best job of protecting our children from influenza. Many parents may think that flu vaccinations are only for the elderly. But, in fact, they are just as important for children."

The program is universal, meaning all recommended childhood and adolescent vaccines are available at no cost to all state youth through age 18. Beardsworth said having full access to these shots without any barriers is the main reason why Rhode Island has the highest coverage rate. She said only one or two other states have a similar universal program like Rhode Island.

 Tags  Providence RI

Comments

Elizabeth said:

Finally! It's nice to have our state be #1 for something GOOD for a change.

Link | April 22, 2009 2:26 PM
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