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Multifaceted approach to vaccine implementation needed
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Adolescent immunization rates have improved in the past 5 years, but there are still areas of improvement needed, according to a speaker the CDC’s 1st National Immunization Conference Online.
Amy Middleman, MD, MPH, who is an Infectious Diseases in Children Editorial Board member, said rates of vaccination with the HPV vaccine among adolescents continue to lag. However, for these particular vaccines, “we haven’t had as long to implement and watch the progress.”
Middleman said public policy planners, providers and patients must work together to boost immunization rates in this age group. State mandates for school entry and better reimbursement policies for health care providers are some of the areas where immunization rates can and have improved.
She highlighted the hepatitis B vaccination program as evidence that “mandates work.” Also, she said schools can play an important role as settings for vaccinations.
According to Middleman, looking at all strategies to boost immunization rates are key, as one of the stated Healthy People 2020 goals is to get immunization rates to more than 90%.
Disclosure: Dr. Middleman reports a financial relationship with Sanofi-Pasteur.For more information: