Although North Carolina's vaccine compliance rate is higher than all other states except Massachusetts, nearly one in five North Carolina toddlers fail to get properly vaccinated against childhood diseases. A recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study measures compliance according to strict guidelines for vaccines and booster shots among N.C. children.

The study reveals that the increased schedule of shots and confusing requirements may cause parents to skip them. Pediatricians also say many parents decide not to have their children vaccinated because
they fear potential harm from vaccines. In particular, the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella has come under suspicion for its link to autism.

I have written twice earlier about the controversy surrounding childhood vaccinations and autism. Most pediatricians contend that a link between the MMR vaccine and autism has not been scientifically proven. However, pediatricians have experienced is a rapid rebound of childhood diseases once thought to be eliminated.

In addition to the measles outbreaks, which the CDC says are ongoing in Wisconsin, Arizona, Michigan and New York, there has been an increase in pertussis , also known as whooping cough. Cases nearly doubled in NC  in one year. Doctors now recommend that adults and adolescents get a tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster, called TDAP, instead of the tetanus-diphtheria booster.

For a full schedule of vaccine recommendations, visit the CDC Web site.