Immunization is the premier success story of public health. Smallpox, a virulent and often fatal disease, was eliminated through immunization in the 1970 s. Wild virus Polio has been eliminated in the western hemisphere since the immunization was developed in the 1950 s. Approximately 68 percent of Houston children receive their immunizations from private providers.
Many children receive their shots at a combination of private and public immunization venues.
Receiving shots from multiple immunization venues contributes to Houston s apparent low immunization rate because there is no central registry of childhood immunization records. Over the past ten years, the number of recommended vacciness have increased and the schedule has become more complex. The complicated schedule and the absence of disease contribute to parental and provider confusion and complacency regarding immunization. He was named director of the National Immunization Program in 1993. Dr. Orenstein has authored or coauthored over 100 articles and chapters published in medical books and literature.