What will it take to fully protect all American children with vaccines?

Article Abstract:

The overall immunization level of school-age children approaches 95 percent. Despite this remarkable achievement, measles outbreaks are still occurring. Unfortunately, poor, inner-city pre-schoolers are often behind in receiving the proper schedule of immunizations. The reasons are many: poor record keeping by public health care workers and parents, misinterpretation of contraindications (in this case, reasons for withholding immunizations), administrative barriers to immunization and, for many immigrant families, fear. The Public Health Service's (PHS) recommended immunization schedule for children includes eight multidose vaccines and toxoids, singly or in combination, in the course of five visits between birth and entry to school. There is a slight difference between the dosage schedule of the PHS protocol and that of the American Academy of Pediatrics. This is one area where the government has done itself proud. The Vaccine Assistance Act of 1962 assists local and state health agencies by making vaccines available to children at no cost for the vaccine. All 50 states require a full schedule of immunizations for school entry. The urgency to meet these requirements often pushes minority, inner-city children's families to comply. Why then, for example, are there still measles outbreaks? This may be due to inattention by health care providers; failure to administer a full schedule of vaccines during a visit; competing family priorities (health may not be number one in a poor family); multiple care-givers; and family instability. It is important that parents understand the urgency of immunizing all children according to the recommended schedule. Some children using public health facilities are required to wait for a full medical examination before immunizations are administered; sometimes the wait is too long. Remedies for the shortfalls are: keep records up to date, maintain schedules and send reminders by telephone, mail or personal visit, and raise the priority of immunizations with incentives and marketing strategies. The medical community should not become complacent. Immunizations are, as the author describes them 'gifts we can give our children' and all children should have them. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Social aspects, Laws, regulations and rules, Prevention, Children, Immunization of children, Immunization, Communicable diseases in children, Pediatric communicable diseases

---

A survey of the health of homeless children in Philadelphia shelters

Article Abstract:

The health status of the homeless child has not been well documented, but it can be reasonably estimated. The Philadelphia shelter network, which consists of 1 city-owned and 22 privately-owned contract facilities, provides services for an estimated 10,000 to 13,000 homeless persons. Of these, 2,500 to 5,000 are children; the majority are less than 5-years-old. A review was conducted of this network of shelters. Accommodations were varied and few had adequate facilities for babies or young children. Health care provisions at these locations were minimal, and most referred clients in need of medical care to local clinics or hospitals. A random sample of 145 mothers and 146 children from this homeless population was selected in September 1987. Seven major areas of inquiry were pursued: reasons for homelessness, family demographics (including parental health, number of pregnancies, drug and alcohol use, and chronic illnesses), the child's current and past health status (including vision), the results of tuberculin skin tests (for tuberculosis) and erythrocyte protoporphyrin tests (for lead poisoning), access to and use of health care services, and developmental and psychological screening of parents and children. The principal reasons for homelessness were physical violence, substance abuse, poor living conditions, and landlord-tenant disputes. The children's health was described as excellent to poor. They suffered more frequent accidents, injuries, and burns, and results of tests for lead poisoning were high. The parents suffered mental health problems, and from the effects of physical abuse and substance abuse. Pre-school and school-age children had low scores on intelligence tests and psychometric analyses (which evaluate intelligence, learning ability, emotional reactions and behavior). The findings provide a reasonably detailed analysis of the problems of the homeless child and mother. Extensive graphic data are presented. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Surveys, Homeless children, Homelessness, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Homeless women

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Dietary and lifestyle factors affecting plasma vitamin D levels in Asian children living in England. Micronutrients and HIV infection: a review
• Abstracts: How prevalent is cancer family syndrome? Insulinoma: cost-effective care in patients with a rare disease. Chromosome 11 allele loss in sporadic insulinoma
• Abstracts: Intestinal parasites in Central American immigrants in the United States. Health care in the United States: our dynamic jigsaw puzzle
• Abstracts: Cortical resection for children with epilepsy: perspectives in pediatrics. Esophageal motility in children with Hirschsprung's disease

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.