This indicator is part of Good public health.

Indicator description:

This indicator notes the percent of infants who receive their childhood immunizations (including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella). New Mexico lags behind other southwestern states in getting children immunized. The indicator also includes the percent of adults 65 years and older who did not receive a flu shot in the past 12 months.  Albuquerque has the fewest seniors who lacked a flu shot among peer communities.

Why is this indicator relevant?

Disease prevention is key to public health, because it is easier to prevent than to treat disease. Vaccines prevent disease in the people who receive them and also protect those who come into contact with them. Infants should be vaccinated to protect themselves and others from potentially deadly childhood diseases. Most influenza deaths involve adults over age 65, so flu shots are recommended for seniors as well as those at risk for complications of the flu.

Data Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Estimated Infant Vaccination Coverage, 2006 & Behavior Risk Factors Surveillance System, 2006. 

What can we tell from the data?

• New Mexico lags behind other Southwest states for the percentage of children who receive their immunizations.
• Albuquerque has the best rate of seniors who did not receive a flu shot, compared to other Southwest communities.

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