This article reviews studies linking autistic disorder with various immune factors. It concludes that although various immune system abnormalities have been reported in children with autism, previous studies are largely association based and it remains difficult to draw conclusions regarding the role of immune factors in the etiopathogenesis of…

In the United States, there is a schedule of four immunizations and several boosters against communicable diseases for children, but many children are not immunized against preventable communicable diseases. The article examines reasons for low immunization percentages, barriers to immunization, and possible solutions to the problems. (SM)

A hearing was held to update information on progress toward immunizing the world's children against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, measles, and tuberculosis. Immunization programs are regarded as essential in the effort to break the infection-malnutrition cycle in children in developing nations. Witnesses at the hearing included…

A nationwide campaign to improve and maintain immunization levels for selected preventable childhood diseases was instituted in 1977, and another program, whose goal was to eliminate indigenous measles by 1982, was instituted in 1978. Immunization levels have improved so much that attention is now focused on ways to maintain these high levels.…

This document contains the proceedings of a hearing on April 6, 2000, before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Government Reform. The hearing addressed the increasing rate of children diagnosed with autism, possible links between autism and childhood vaccinations, and future needs of these children. After opening statements by…

The goal of the Universal Child Immunization Program, adopted by the World Health Organization in 1977, is to inoculate by 1990, every child in the world against measles, tetanus, whooping cough, diphtheria, tuberculosis, and polio. By 1987, nearly 80 countries had undertaken or were planning immunization programs. These diseases, combined with…

Noting that each year nearly 11 million children die from preventable causes before reaching their fifth birthday, this handbook contains practical, low-cost ways of protecting children's lives and health. The handbook is directed to those in positions to communicate the information to families, such as health workers, teachers, government…