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A shot in the foot

The report Ñ from the Center for Disease Control Ñ shows that the United States as a whole has a 75 percent immunization rate for young children. Michigan reports a mere 63 percent immunization rate, with the city of Detroit at 52 percent. While DetroitÕs rate is abysmally low, the state would still place last if Detroit improved Ñ this is a statewide problem.

The federal government has funds available for helping states improve their immunization rates. The Vaccines for Children Program will give $7 billion next year to states, to be used for patients that are uninsured or underinsured. The only provision is that states must already have a 65 percent immunization rate. Michigan is the only state to be passed over for funding from the VCP.

Gov. John Engler must take much of the responsibility for the stateÕs troubling situation. A CDC official said that maintaining and improving immunization rates has been primarily a stateÕs responsibility. Yet Engler has dedicated his time to Washington recently, calling for Ñ among other things Ñ a return to state control of health programs. Engler should worry about the responsibilities already under his control before he takes on more.

Some Englers are taking steps to help the situation. Gov. EnglerÕs wife, Michelle, and their triplets are campaigning in a media blitz in the hopes it will help significantly raise immunization rates. Such campaigns do initially help raise rates, however, they do little to improve the long term statistics. Michigan would do better to mute the media campaign and focus more on fund reallocation. The state should register children and track their immunization status. Recently, the state legislature discussed a plan for a statewide registry system, but discussion was discontinued due to conflict with the parental rights issue. Despite the fact that most doctors promote registry as a positive first step, politicians have not pursued legislation.

Officials have contributed to the low immunization rate in other ways. Currently, under Michigan law, children do not have to be immunized until they enroll in school or day care centers. This is often too late, because the most deadly diseases usually strike before age two. An earlier, mandatory age could help spur more immunizations. Last year, 399 Michigan children contracted hepatitis B. Over 100 suffered whooping cough and another 60 contracted the mumps. All of these diseases are preventable by immunization. The fact that any child goes without this basic health service is bad enough Ñ when it occurs in such high numbers, the problem becomes epidemic. Michigan must bring up these low rates immediately to protect the future of its children.