Immunization alliance calls for greater child vaccine awareness

The Immunization Alliance, which includes the American Academy of Pediatrics and 21 other groups, is calling for greater awareness about immunization rates in children.

They are seeking a government public information campaign, continuing research investigating vaccine safety and efficacy, as well as strengthening public confidence in vaccines. Another goal is to keep immunization rates at adequate levels.

Although a recent CDC report stated that 77.4% of children in America were immunized in 2007, the remaining near-quarter of children who are not properly immunized still allows for infectious disease outbreaks. Another recent CDC report stated that 2008 has so far seen the highest number of measles outbreaks since 1996.