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CDC releases new data on immunization for children

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Filariasis pills available at DoH clinics
compiled by Samoa News staff

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has released new data showing that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, most parents in the U.S. continued to protect their children by following CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended vaccine schedule. However, there are disparities in vaccination coverage based on health insurance status, race/ethnicity, poverty level, and jurisdiction.

Despite challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to remain vigilant to ensure that children get the vaccines they need and catch up on any missed doses to protect them against serious and sometimes deadly diseases. While routine vaccination among children remains high, parents and providers should use any clinician visit as an opportunity for the child to get recommended vaccinations that are due or might have been missed because of COVID-related disruptions.

According to the latest National Immunization Survey-Child (NIS-Child), during 2018-2020, over 90% of children were fully vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), polio, hepatitis B, and varicella by age 24 months. While CDC’s Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program helps provide vaccines to children whose families may not be able to afford them, the study found that barriers to health care access associated with health insurance status and poverty level may keep some parents from getting their children vaccinated.

ELIMINATE LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS

Save the dates — Oct 18 thru Nov 18, 2021 the Dept. of Health is holding mass drug administrations. DoH teams wiil be coming out to villages to offer Filariasis pills for families to drink together.

The Filariasis pills will be available for individuals 2 years of age and older at all DOH clinics — Tafuna, Leone, Faalu, and Amouli.

Call the DOH Hotline for more information 633-5871.