The opportunity for public health disasters is growing in the United States, fueled by falling vaccination rates reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week.
The data revealed that vaccinations are still common among children, but they are not as common as they were, or as they should be. The number of children who make it to their second birthday without vaccination has risen with data showing children who are uninsured or who depend on Medicaid for health coverage represent the lowest rates of vaccination coverage.
A widened lack of vaccinations, particularly among children, expands the risk for an outbreak and is already leading to the return of diseases, such as measles. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) said that this reveals a need for greater outreach, communication, and resources provided to guarantee public education on the matter. They also pointed to the critical nature of proper healthcare.
“Expanded access to healthcare coverage is pivotal to ensuring that children receive essential health services that include routine immunizations,” IDSA said in a statement. “While the Vaccination for Children program, which provides immunizations to children in the US who are unable to afford them, has saved nearly $259 billion in direct medical costs in the last 25 years, the data indicate that eligible families remain unaware, or unable to access its benefits. In addition, robust support for CDC programs supporting vaccine supply chains, clinical services, and education efforts will be crucial.”
To date, data shows that vaccines prevent as many as 42,000 children’s deaths in the United States each year. They also save billions of dollars in direct medical costs, representing a key component in public health safety.