DELAWARE HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
Division of Public Health
Immunization Program 1-800-282-8672

Spring 2008

The Immunization Bulletin

IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM RECOGNIZED FOR IMPROVING INFANT IMMUNIZATION RATES
The National Immunization Survey (NIS) for 2007 indicates that completion rates for the basic infant 
immunization series, "4:3:1:3:3:1" are climbing again. According to the NIS survey, Delaware's 
completion rate in 2007 is 81.8 percent - an increase from 80.3 in 2006.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognized Delaware's Immunization program at the
recently held National Immunization conference in Atlanta for being the fourth most improved state 
from 2003-2006.
The rate of infant immunization over that period increased by 21.4 percent. The rate at 80.3 percent 
in 2006 was above the national target rate of 80 percent and much higher than the then recorded 
national rate of 77.1 percent.
The improvement is the result of continuing collaboration between parentsa, health providers and 
other stakeholders through outreach, education and advertising.
The award was presented during the opening pelnary conference session and received by Claudia Allis, 
program manager. Kudos to ALL YOU dedicated health care providers that care for Delaware's children.


Remember to report all immunizations to the Delaware Immunization Program- ITS THE LAW!
Questions?  Call 1-800-272-8672.


THE USE OF HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE TYPE B (HIB) CONJUGATE VACCINES IN CHILDREN
As a result of a temporary shortage in available vaccines, health care providers are requested to defer 
administering the routine HIB vaccine booster recommded at 12-15 months of age. The recommendation 
does not affect children with high risk conditions as:
	•Asplenia
	•Sickle Cell disease
	•HIV Infections
	•Other Immunodeficiency syndromes
	•Malignant neoplasms
Providers are encouraged to register and track children who have hade to defer these shots, to ensure easy
recall when supplies improve.


Contact the Immunization Program at 1-800-282-8672.


COMING SOON!
ADOLESCENT HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) HEALTH INITIATIVE
The Delaware Division of Public (DPH) Health’s Immunization Program is pleased to announce the beginning 
of a coordinated campaign to increase public awareness and encourage dialogue between the parents/guardians 
of adolescents and their primary healthcare providers in an effort to increase the number of adolescents receiving
HPV vaccines.
The vaccine is an important tool in the elimination of cervical cancer in our lifetime. The campaign will include 
televison, radio, outdoor and print advertising.
Community partners will be working with DPH to promote the initiative and offer additional information on the 
vaccine and screening for cervical cancer. For more information on this, contact the Immunization Program at 
1-800-272-8672.


IMMUNIZATION TIP:
Travel histories should be obtained and a diagnosis of measles should be considered by physicians when
evaluating patients who have febrile rash illness within three weeks of traveling abroad.
MMWR Vol. 57/February 22, 2008


PLEASE WELCOME OUR NEW STAFF:
Claudia Allis, RN, Program Manager
Wanda Atkinson, Adminstrative Assistant, Vaccines for Children Program
Brandi Grosch, Administrative Assistant.

JOIN US TO BID FAREWELL TO:
Dr. Martin Luta - now the chief of the Communicable Disease Bureau.


NATIONAL INFANT IMMUNIZATION WEEK
APRIL 19-26- Vaccination: an act of love 
National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is an annual observance to highlight the importance of protecting infants 
from vaccine-preventable diseases and celebrate the achievements of immunization programs and their partners in 
promoting healthy communities.
This year, Delaware’s Immunization program partnered with daycare centers, doctor’s offices, recreational and
community centers to encourage parents and healthcare providers to ensure that all children are fully immunized 
by age two.

DOC # 35-05-20/07/10/22