Problem:
Health Care Issue: Reversing the Decline in Childhood Immunization Rates Setting: Press conference held by the White House Secretary of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Scenario/Background: Michigan and Washington, D.C., require children from birth through age five to be vaccinated against certain communicable diseases as a condition of attending childcare settings such as day care, Head Start, preschools, pre-kindergarten, and other early childhood programs. Numerous studies have shown childhood immunizations to be highly effective in preventing disease - not only in childhood, but over a lifetime. These vaccinations or immunizations are responsible for reducing the incidence of all targeted diseases; and, for preventing more than 24 million cases of disease in the U.S. population in 2019 (Talbird et al., 2022). Despite success in preventing targeted diseases (e.g., measles, chickenpox, mumps, rubella, and more.), there has been a decline in childhood immunization rates over the past few years (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024). However, there is no required format or national standard for specific vaccines, exemptions, or proof of vaccination status, as such, policies vary from state to state. There are large disparities in vaccination rates by race, ethnicity, income, geography, and other socioeconomic factors. Previously existing systemic barriers limiting access to health care contribute to the decline in vaccination rates. Need Assignment Help?