Immunizations and Vaccinations

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists vaccinations at the top of the list of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. Vaccinations have been responsible for incredible (>99%) reductions in a host of infectious diseases and their complications. The system of vaccination depends on the integrity of the family function, for much of routine vaccination [Page 643]requires vaccination of infants, children, and adolescents. In the United States, by the time a child has reached his or her 2nd birthday, the child should have received 27 or 28 doses of vaccines, some of which may be given in combination to reduce the number to as few as 20 doses. While states mandate vaccines for day care and school attendance, almost all ...