Prior studies have found that up to 14 percent of children as of 2000 were underinsured, and based on that number, Lee's group estimates that up to 1.2 million may not be receiving all of the recommended vaccines.

Lee says boosting coverage would likely require persuading private health insurance plans to pay for preventive care as well as beefing up the public safety net.

Most of the new vaccines are for disease such as rotavirus that are hobbling but not major killers in the U.S. Still, people may increasingly come to expect them in much the way they came to expect the measles vaccine in the 1970s and 1980s, Orenstein says. Put it this way, he notes: "I would want my children vaccinated against them."

3 Comments

1. 1. n8rgrl 10:23 AM 4/25/09

   I really don't think the decline in vaccinations is due to lack of coverage. Parents-including myself are now better able to educate ourselves of the DANGERS of vaccines, not the benefits. Had I not educated myself and fought with my son's doctors (claiming he had a "virus" and not severe allergies at 4 months old) he would be DEAD from vaccines! We have to educate ourselves and others about the government's and big pharma's financial stake at the cost of our health. They are not interested in "preventing" or "treating" anything. They are concerned with the almighty dollar and how they can convince uneducated people that if they don't get "this vaccine" or take "this pill" they will suffer major health problems. The problem is, the stuff they are giving us "for our health" is actually ruining our health-and padding their pockets and providing job security for treating our upcoming health issues, to take another pill, get another shot etc... it's a vicious conspiracy circle that is costing people their health, their wealth, and their lives.

   Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this

2. 2. minivanjack 04:24 PM 4/27/09

   Vaccinations are apparently causing A.D.D., Autism and asthma. Hmm. Maybe we had better get some full disclosure on the contents of those vaccinations before we happily go down the road of allowing institutions to shove needles into children. If vaccinations were so great we wouldn't need laws forcing children to have them.

   Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this

3. 3. lamorpa in reply to minivanjack 08:52 AM 6/12/10

   Um, what? 'apparently causing...'? No. A totally discredited lunatic fringe of deluded parents are desperately trying, without a shred of scientific evidence, to blame vaccines for Autism. That's definitely not 'apparent'

   Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this