Atlanta Project Plans to Immunize 27,000 Children

President Clinton’s proposal to provide free vaccinations to all American children faces tough opposition from Republicans and vaccine manufacturers, but in Atlanta a miniature, all-volunteer version of the plan is successfully being launched, with the help of a former President.

The Atlanta Project, the ambitious social service program started by former President Jimmy Carter, begins a weeklong campaign Saturday to immunize 27,000 children. Carter calls it “the most comprehensive immunization program ever attempted in this country.”

Fifty-four thousand children under age 5 live in the 20 Atlanta neighborhoods targeted by the project. The organization estimates that approximately half of those have not been vaccinated against preventable childhood diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella.

In this regard, Atlanta is not far different from other U.S. cities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 60% of American children under age 2 using health departments for care have been immunized. In Fulton County, which comprises much of Atlanta, the number is 48%.

The plan is related to the Heal L.A. immunization effort announced in Los Angeles last January by pop star Michael Jackson. Jackson and Carter have joined together in a national effort to help raise funds and establish local programs.

Jackson is helping the Atlanta effort by appearing in an entertainment program for the families of participating children.

Carter said the goal of the program is to ensure that 90% of children under age 5 in the area are adequately immunized by the end of the year. Each dollar spent on immunization now saves $10 that would have to be spent later treating preventable diseases.

To raise awareness of the program and to find preschoolers who need inoculations, almost 7,000 volunteers--including Carter and his wife, Rosalynn--fanned out through the streets of the city last weekend, knocking on doors. Phone banks, leaflets and door hangers also will be used, and transportation will be provided to get children to the 38 immunization sites.

In addition to the vaccinations that will be given from Saturday through May 1 at county health departments and community health centers, a tracking system will coordinate the immunization of children and assure them access to good health care.

Assisting the Atlanta Project in the effort are a number of other organizations, including the CDC, the Scottish Rite Children’s Medical Center, the state and county health departments and area school districts.

The program is being funded by either private donations or by contributions of services or material from businesses in the community.

Clinton has proposed authorizing the federal government to buy vaccines for free distribution to both public clinics and private doctors. Private physicians could charge for giving the shots but not for the vaccine itself.

The $1.1-billion program also would launch a national immunization tracking system.

The Atlanta Project says that if Clinton’s program is successful, it would make campaigns such as the one being undertaken no longer necessary. The Atlanta Project, launched in 1992, enlists corporations and volunteers to improve the lives of poor people.