In a revised policy statement, “Increasing Immunization Coverage,” in the June print issue of Pediatrics (published online May 31), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advocates for continued efforts to increase immunization rates of children, teens and young

Data from the 2007 National Immunization Survey indicates that on average, 90 percent of children ages 19 to 35 months have received the recommended doses of most vaccines. However, maintaining and improving this level of vaccination remains a challenge for pediatricians due to systemic problems in the vaccine delivery system and the system for vaccine payment. Pockets of under-immunized children still exist throughout the U.S., and there remains a powerful advocacy force that opposes all immunizations. Immunization rates for adolescents continue to lag behind the goals set by the Healthy People 2010 program. adults.

The AAP encourages health care professionals to implement reminder systems for patients and look for expanded opportunities to provide immunizations. The AAP also advocates for reform in vaccine distribution and payment systems and participation in vaccine-purchasing pools.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org.