Hawai`i's infant immunization rates have improved to third in the nation, thanks to the efforts of healthcare providers and parents and guardians statewide. Approximately 88 percent of Hawai`i's children ages 19-35 months are up-to-date on their immunizations according to the 2007 National Immunization Survey. This is an increase of approximately 9 percent over the previous year.

"Immunizations are our children's best defense against diseases like pertussis and measles," said Director of Health Chiyome Fukino, M.D. "It is important to continue these efforts to reach keiki who remain unprotected against vaccine-preventable diseases."