The currently recommended childhood immunizations include: DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis),
IPV (polio), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), HIB (hemophilus influenza b); HBV (hepatitis B),
varicella (chickenpox); PCV 7 (pneumococcal), influenza immunization (recently added for
children 6 months to 23 months of age) and in some patients, HAV (hepatitis A). For adults,
the recommended immunizations include pneumococcal vaccination for those 65 years and older (or
for some risk groups at younger ages), annual influenza immunization (for adults 50 years or
older, or some some risk groups at younger ages) and tetanus immunization.
Smallpox is the first disease that was eradicated from the world by immunization (although it
now has re-emerged as a potential threat because of bioterrorism). There are currently efforts
to eradicate polio and measles from the world through immunizations.
New immunizations are being developed and another major activity of vaccine manufacturers is to
combine many of the childhood immunizations in order to reduce the number of injections involved.
Currently there is a combination vaccine for DTaP, IPV, HIB and HBV. Some of the immunizations
still under development include rotavirus and parainfluenza. In addition, there are efforts to
develop vaccines for HIV/AIDS and SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome).
The following are some links to immunization information:
The National Immunization Program
Protect the Circle of Life (for American Indian/Native Alaskan material)
Schedule of Recommended Adult Immunizations
Parents Guide to Immunization
Understanding Vaccines [PDF]
American Academy of Pediatrics- Immunization Initiatives
Every Child By Two Web Site
National Partnership for Immunization
National Network for Immunization Information
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The Phoenix Area Indian Health Service selected Childhood Immunizations as a Performance
Improvement Project in April, 2003. The immunization rates increased from a historical rate in
the mid-80’s to at least 90% for the past four quarters. Strategies involved include increased
use of the RPMS Immunization Package, reduction of missed opportunities and standardizing
immunization processes across the area.
