Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Many parents don't have children immunized, so government has begun program to improve situation.
REPORTER: Walter Cronkite

(NYC) Childhood diseases are preventable with immunizations, but 2 out of 5 aren't immunized. [Salt Lake City Health Department spokesperson Dr. Harry GIBBONS - is convinced parents don't remember or just don't know what child has to go through in one of these diseases.] [Department of Health, Education and Welfare Secretary CALIFANO - finds situation astonishing and national disgrace, since immunization is simplest and easiest way to deal with those diseases.] Reports of cases of polio, tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, mumps and measles in 1976 listed. [CDC (Centers for Disease Control) spokesperson Dr. Alan HINMAN - cites most concern for measles and reason.] problem is ntnwide., but worse in some areas than others. [Cleveland health director Dr. Ronald SWANGER - says immunization levels in Cleveland terrible.] In places where immunization requirement for entrance to school is strictly enforced, levels better. [Dallas city health department spokesperson Dr. J.R. WILLIAMS - cites percentages of immunization in city.] Federal government has begun 2-yr. program aimed at bringing adequate immunization level to at least 90% of United States children; cost is minimal compared to potential benefits. [CALIFANO - says money not problem, but problem is making parents aware that diseases are still here and can attack children who aren't immunized.] Health authorities give widespread support to plan.
REPORTER: Richard Wagner