Standards for immunization practice for vaccines in children and adults

The demonstration of low rates of immunization in 2-year-old children in the late 1980s prompted a national campaign to raise immunization rates. One of the results was the adoption of "Standards for Pediatric Immunization Practice." These standards have contributed to the continuing improvement in vaccination rates in 19- to 35-month-old children, resulting in the highest rates of immunizations in this age group ever achieved and record lows of vaccine-preventable diseases. Subsequent developments have included interventions such as reminder/recall and standing order programs to improve immunization coverage in children, adolescents, and adults. Standards also have been established for adults in traditional and nontraditional sites. Periodic reviews and updating of these standards are necessary and in progress.