Immunizations

Innovative Ways to Improve Children’s Health

Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 12:00 AM

When Molina Healthcare of Michigan noticed the poor immunization rates in the state’s children, it took action. The company, a leading health care provider for financially vulnerable families, launched “Shots for Shorties” to improve the rates of immunization among African-American children, primarily those from low-income families. The program offers a variety of necessary vaccinations, programs and educational materials full of strategies to increase immunization rates for African-Americans.

U.S. data on teen immunizations show most coverage rising, but little change in HPV vaccination

Kathryn Tormey

Monday, October 15, 2012 at 12:22 PM

Stateline Midwest ~ October 2012

More of the nation’s teenagers are getting immunized against diseases such as meningitis and diphtheria, but U.S. vaccination rates also show wide variances among the states. In addition, federal data show little progress in the percentage of girls receiving the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

“We are very concerned about plateauing in HPV vaccination rates,” says Dr. Melinda Wharton of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

HPV: Vaccination Rates for Adolescent Females and New Recommendation for Males

Debra Miller

Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 05:05 PM

More than half of girls ages 13 through 17 in 23 states have received one or more doses of HPV vaccine despite the absence of state mandates. New vaccination recommendations include boys.

Adolescent Vaccines

Wanda Fowler

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 04:21 PM

The percent of adolescents who have received routinely recommended vaccines increased from 2007 to 2008. Changes in vaccine policy, recent experiences with outbreaks or efforts to remove cost as a barrier can improve adolescent vaccination rates in states.

Adolescent Sexual Health: Preventing STDs, HIV and Pregnancy

Ann Kelly

Saturday, August 1, 2009 at 12:00 AM

One-third of teens become pregnant before age 20. One-fourth of young women acquire a sexually transmitted infection by age 19, making them more susceptible to HIV infection. This 4-page brief describes successful state health and education policies as well as successful targeted youth education activities that can prevent these conditions.