Immunizations
Focus On
Immunizations
Vaccines are one of the best ways to protect ourselves against many common diseases. Children and adults who receive recommended vaccines on time can develop immunity against many diseases such as mumps, rotavirus, and influenza without becoming infected with the actual diseases. For immunization programs to be successful in preventing vaccine-preventable disease in our state, we must continue to achieve high rates of immunization. Check the indicators to see vaccination rates in Kansas communities.
Percent of Infants Fully Immunized at 24 Months
State: Kansas
(Compared to Prior Value)
Percent of Infants Fully Immunized at 24 Months
67.2%
This indicator shows the percent of infants who were immunized with the 4 DTaP, 3 Polio, 1 MMR, 3 Haemophilus influenzae type b, and 3 Hepatitis B vaccines (the 4:3:1:3:3 series) by 24 months of age.
Data Source: Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Vaccines are one of public health’s biggest achievements. Diseases like smallpox, tetanus, and polio that were once very common with sometimes devastating consequences have now been eradicated or nearly eliminated. Rates of other vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, mumps, and diphtheria are also held in check for the most part.
The key to keeping these once-prevalent diseases under control is to stay vigilant about achieving high immunization rates in our community. If a high percentage of our population is immunized, those who are too young or have another contraindication to receiving the vaccine are protected by herd immunity. Herd immunity can also help stop an outbreak in its tracks.
In the 2011-2012 year, 71.7% of Kanas infants were fully immunized at 24 months. In 2011, 67.6% of adults over the age of 65 were immunized against influenza in the previous 12 months, compared with 60.7% nationally. Visit the Immunize Kansas Kids page to see many other reports and presentations from the Immunize Kansas Kids Coalition.
Community organizations and clinics interested in exploring new ways to improve immunization rates in their community can use the promising practices search tool to build upon what others have learned.