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Persons using assistive technology might not be able to fully access information in this file. For assistance, please send e-mail to: mmwrq@cdc.gov. Type 508 Accommodation and the title of the report in the subject line of e-mail. National Adult Immunization Awareness WeekOctober 22-28, 1989, is the fourth annual National Adult Immunization Awareness Week. This observance emphasizes the importance of appropriately immunizing all adults against eight diseases: diphtheria, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, pneumococcal disease, rubella, and tetanus. Immunization programs have markedly reduced the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases in children, but many adults remain susceptible because they are inadequately immunized (Tables 1 and 2). National Adult Immunization Awareness Week highlights collaborative efforts by federal, state, and local health agencies, public health organizations, and professional, private, volunteer, and other organizations to improve adult immunization. These efforts have included the following:
Editorial Note: Each year, adults develop vaccine-preventable diseases because they have not received the recommended vaccines (1-7). For example, in each of several recent epidemics, greater than 40,000 influenza-related excess deaths occurred (3,8). Approximately 40,000 deaths related to pneumococcal infections and an estimated 300,000 new hepatitis B cases occur annually. Among young adults, the incidence of measles and mumps has increased (4,9). Ten percent to 15% of childbearing-aged women are not immune to rubella, and most Americans greater than 60 years of age lack adequate protection against tetanus and diphtheria. Safe and effective vaccines are available for all these diseases, and the cost of vaccination is substantially less than the cost of treating the disease. Improving vaccine use among adults requires a multifaceted strategy involving collaboration of health-care providers, consumer groups, and public and private organizations. National Adult Immunization Awareness Week draws attention to efforts that promote prevention and control of vaccine-preventable diseases. References
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