Child Immunization Rates, Prenatal Care Concern Detroit Metro Residents, Survey Says

Child immunization rates and prenatal care were among the "top youth health concerns" of people in the Detroit metro area, according to a poll commissioned by the Skillman Foundation, the Detroit News. The Skillman poll, administered in 1997, 1999 and 2001, surveys Michigan residents on the importance of 13 health issues regarding children, including sexual health, nutrition, smoking, obesity, mental health and affordability of health insurance. Childhood immunization rates ranked second in the poll. In 1999, Michigan was 43rd lowest for number of children who received the appropriate inoculations; rates in Detroit "lag far behind" the state average. Prenatal care was the fourth top concern. The rate of women who received adequate prenatal care rose from 7% in 1990 to 10% in 1999. In addition, Detroit-area residents were concerned about access to care issues, including that children enrolled in Medicaid have problems finding a dentist in part because of the low reimbursement rates (Kozlowski, Detroit News, 4/28).