Media Advisory – Immunization Study

WHO: Children’s Immunization Education Initiative (CIEI) Program Director Roderick E. McCallum, Ph.D. and Program Coordinator, Nancy Arden, M.N.
WHAT: Report on findings of Children’s Immunization Education Initiative
WHEN: Wednesday, September 15, 2004, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., and Thursday, September 16, 2004, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
WHERE: The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center’s South Texas Center, 701 E. Vermont, Room 101, McAllen, Texas.
WHY: As Texas ranks low in childhood immunization rates, the CIEI conducted a survey of the immunization status of young children in underserved communities in South Texas. The primary objectives of the survey were to assess immunization coverage of children ages 19 months through 35 months living in colonias in Hidalgo County; assess parental knowledge and attitudes about immunizations; and determine the importance of access to health care, cost, health services delivery, and vaccine promotion, education and outreach
strategies.
At the scheduled meetings, the CIEI team’s major findings will be presented to community leaders, public health officials, health care providers and volunteers.
The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center provides the state with health education, outreach and research. Its five components located in communities throughout Texas are Baylor College of Dentistry, the College of Medicine, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the Institute of Biosciences and Technology and the School of Rural Public Health.