What are the Current Childhood Vaccination Rates in the U.S.?

By leahdurantlaw on January 11, 2019 • ( 0 )

Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect children against the flu and several other potentially-dangerous communicable diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend vaccination against Hepatitis B at birth, and vaccination against 13 other diseases between the ages of two months and six years.

According to a study published in late 2018, 98.9 percent of children receive at least one vaccine by the age of three, and more than 90 percent of children receive at least three doses of the hepatitis B and poliovirus vaccines and at least one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and chickenpox vaccines. However, the study also indicates that, “[c]overage was lower for most vaccines among uninsured children and those insured by Medicaid, compared with those having private health insurance, and for children living outside of metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), compared with those living in MSA principal cities.” For children who are uninsured, the rate of vaccination drops by as much as 30.3 percent for certain vaccinations.

Rates of Childhood Vaccination for Certain CDC-Recommended Vaccines

The study also included the results of a survey examining vaccination rates for nine specific CDC-recommended vaccines. In 2017, vaccination rates for individual immunizations among children between the ages of 19 and 35 months ranged from 59.7 percent to 94.0 percent:

DTaP (at least three doses): 94.0 percent
Hib (primary series): 92.8 percent
Poliovirus (at least three doses): 92.7 percent
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) (at least three doses): 91.9 percent
MMR (at least one dose): 91.5 percent
Hepatitis B (at least three doses): 91.4 percent
Varicella (at least one dose): 91.0 percent
Hepatitis A (at least one dose): 86.0 percent
DTaP (at least four doses): 83.2 percent
PCV (at least four doses): 82.4 percent
Hib (full series): 80.7 percent
Hepatitis B (birth dose): 73.6 percent
Rotavirus (recommended series): 73.2 percent
Hepatitis A (at least two doses): 58.7 percent

Immunization rates for each of these vaccines has remained fairly constant over the past five years, with the greatest increase seen in immunization against Hepatitis A (a 2.9 percent increase for at least one dose and a five percent increase for at least two doses), and the greatest decrease seen in immunization against Hib (a 0.9 percent decrease for the primary series and a 1.3 percent decrease for the full series).

Risk vs. Reward: Injury Risks Associated with Childhood Vaccines

There are many common misconceptions about the risks associated with childhood vaccinations. However, while many of the concerns associated with childhood vaccinations are misguided, all vaccinations carry risks for certain types of injuries and illnesses. This includes injuries and illnesses triggered by vaccinations themselves (such as anaphylaxis resulting from an allergic reaction), as well as shoulder injuries resulting from errors during the vaccine administration process. Learn more: What are the Most-Common Vaccine Injuries?

Contact Vaccine Lawyer Leah V. Durant

Leah V. Durant is a vaccine lawyer who represents individuals and families nationwide in claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP provides compensation for vaccine-related injuries and illnesses, and legal representation is available at little or no out-of-pocket cost. If you or your child has been diagnosed with a vaccine injury and you would like to learn more about your legal rights, please call 202-800-1711 or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.

Leah Durant Bio

Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.