CARSON CITY - The Division of Public and Behavioral Health is pleased to announce improvements in the state's childhood immunization rates. The newly released 2012 National Immunization Survey shows that Nevada's immunization ranking improved from 40th in the nation to 39th for vaccine coverage in 19 - 35 month-old children.
There is a correlation between the increase in immunization rates and use of the statewide immunization registry, Nevada WebIZ. The growth, functionality, and utilization of the registry has been remarkable since the enactment of NRS 439.265 and corresponding regulations in 2009. Nevada is experiencing positive effects of registry enhancements and mandatory reporting statutes for Nevada WebIZ. The law requires all childhood, adolescent and adult immunizations to be recorded in Nevada WebIZ.
"While it's encouraging to see our efforts paying off through increased immunization activities, we know there are areas for improvement. We must continue our education efforts about the importance of vaccinations to help avoid future resurgences of serious, preventable illnesses," says Tracey D. Green, MD, chief medical officer.
"Improvements in the registry continue to assist Nevada with the accurate tracking and reporting of all immunizations which have been administered by providers and immunization partners statewide. We are committed to maintaining partnerships that support the education of parents and our communities about the importance of immunizations in the prevention of illnesses from vaccine preventable diseases," says Karissa Loper, MPH, state immunization program manager. "Furthermore, the hard work shared by medical providers, Nevada's school districts, childcare centers, health districts, immunization coalitions and other dedicated partners continue to contribute to increasing immunization rates."
For more information about immunizations or the Immunization Program, please go to: http://health.nv.gov/Immunization.htm.
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