The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognized Rhode Island’s Childhood Immunziation Program for achieving the highest influenza vaccination coverage rate in the country for children ages six months to 23 months during the 2007/2008 flu season. The award was presented to the Department of Health (HEALTH) at the recent National Immunization Conference.
“HEALTH is proud to lead the nation in childhood immunization efforts,” said Director of Health David R. Gifford, MD, MPH. “We want to continue to do the best job of protecting our children from influenza. Many parents may think that flu vaccinations are only for the elderly. But, in fact, they are just as important for children. ”
HEALTH’s Childhood Immunization Program is a universal vaccine program. Through federal funding and with contributions from insurers, all recommended childhood and adolescent vaccines are available to all Rhode Island children from birth through age 18. Healthcare providers receive the vaccine at no cost from the state.
For more information on the Childhood Immunization Program, visit http://www.health.ri.gov/immunization/childhood.php.