Each year between 1900 and 1904, an average 48,164 infections and 1528 deaths were reported from the virus. Aggressive immunization led to a decline in the number of cases and the disease was reported to be eradicated in 1977. As a result, routine immunization for smallpox is no longer given. Immunizations American parents are doing a good job in getting their children vaccinated immunization rates in this country are about 90 percent. Yet, even the most diligent parent can get confused about which vaccine a child needs.
Recommendations change from time to time.
For example, the pneumococcal vaccine was just added and the rotavirus vaccine has been discontinued due to safety concerns. Many childhood vaccines are given in a series, which means several doses are needed over time. Since the vaccines are given at different ages, it can be hard to keep track of which vaccines a child needs. Doctors keep records of child health exams and immunizations. Parents can keep track by carrying a wallet identification card that lists a child s immunizations.