Their Best Shot

Outbreaks of measles across the country this year have brought much-needed attention to the inadequacies of our nation’s immunization efforts. I think most people would be surprised to learn that more than one-quarter of American preschoolers are not fully immunized against preventable diseases.

It is frightening, too, that in 1989 there was a more than 400% increase in the number of measles cases.

Inadequate funding, public awareness and access to health care are compounding the problem. In many states, funds for public clinics do not meet the needs. Too many parents also are not aware of the necessity for early and regular immunizations.

As a pediatrician and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, I believe that immunizations are the single-most, cost-effective procedure to protect against potentially life-threatening diseases. Efforts must be intensified to increase the availability of immunization services and to ensure that all children are vaccinated at the recommended ages--especially preschool-age children.It is shameful that a country as rich as ours does so poor a job immunizing its children.

STEPHEN C. KOFFLER, MD

Newport Beach