Progress and focus of the national childhood immunization campaign.

In response to the alarming incidence of vaccine preventable childhood diseases in the late 1960s and early 1970s a nationwide campaign to improve and maintain immunization levels for selected diseases was instituted in 1977 by the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Another program with the goal of eliminating indigenous measles by 1982 was announced the following year. As a result of efforts in federal, state and local quarters, an overall immunization level of 90% has been reached among the school-age population for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella. Although more newborns and preschool children have been vaccinated, there is a need to better protect these youngsters. With the measles case rate at an all-time low and transmission within the country drastically limited, the goal to eliminate native measles in the near future may be achievable. After nearly six years of concerted activity, immunization levels have improved so that attention has shifted to the development and implementation of a system to permanently maintain these high levels. Continuing support from the public and private sectors is vital if the campaign is to succeed.