Oklahoma State Health Department launches campaign to encourage immunizations

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma State Department of Health has launched a campaign to encourage parents to get their toddlers fully immunized against certain diseases at an earlier age.<br><br>As many

Saturday, April 24th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6


OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma State Department of Health has launched a campaign to encourage parents to get their toddlers fully immunized against certain diseases at an earlier age.

As many as 25,000 toddlers don't get required inoculations against three dangerous childhood illnesses between the ages of 1 and 2, a health official said Friday.

A number of Oklahoma youngsters also aren't adequately protected until they either enter a day-care center or enroll in kindergarten, the agency said.

In the "OK By One" campaign, officials are advising parents and state physicians to modify childhood inoculation schedules so that a fourth dose of a vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DPT) be given by 12 months of age.

Traditionally, the fourth DPT dose has been given at 15 to 18 months.

"Fewer than half of Oklahoma's children receive their fourth DTP dose on schedule," said Don Blose, Health Department immunization director.

The inoculation-schedule change, Blose said, should help improve Oklahoma's low national ranking for childhood immunizations.

The state is 48th in the country for children who are current on their childhood immunizations, primarily because they don't receive the fourth DTP dose on time or don't get it at all.

"We want our children fully protected, fully covered. We believe these changes will move Oklahoma into the forefront as U.S. leaders in the health of children for immunization compliance," Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Crutcher said.

Childhood immunizations offer protection against 11 dangerous diseases, Crutcher said.
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