INFANT AND CHILDREN’S HEALTH

1. PERCENT OF LOW BIRTH-WEIGHT BABIES

Definition:  This indicator represents rates of live births where the newborn baby would be defined as a “low birth weight” baby.  Low birth weight is defined as less than 2,500 grams (5lb.8oz).

Significance: A baby born within the normal range of weight for that gestational age is known ‘as appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Those born above or below that range have often had an unusual rate of development – this often indicates complications with the pregnancy that may affect the baby or its mother.”[i]

Historical/Trend Analysis, Percent of Low Birth Weight Babies

Data reflect South Carolina (SC) average, United States (US) average, and Southeast (SE) average.  The southeast region consists of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Source:  National Center for Health Statistics 2005 Data    2004 Data   2003 Data     2002 Data   

2001 Data   2000 Data

Selected State Rankings, 2005 (“1” represents state with highest percentage of “low birth-weight” babies.  Rankings reflect a standard competition ranking method that accounts for ties that result in two or more states having the same rank.)

2. PERCENT OF CHILDREN VACCINATED

Definition: This indicator represents vaccination coverage among children 19-35 months of age with 4:3:1:3 series.[ii]

Significance: According to health experts: “Vaccination is a means of producing immunity against pathogens,[iii] such as viruses and bacteria, by the introduction of live, killed, or altered antigens that stimulate the body to produce antibodies against more dangerous forms. Vaccination has generally eradicated smallpox worldwide and prevents such diseases as cholera, rabies, and typhoid. Vaccines work with the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy foreign proteins (antigens) that it determines are ‘external’ or ‘non-self.’”[iv]

Historical/Trend Analysis, Percent of Children Vaccinated, 19-35 Months of Age

Data reflect South Carolina (SC) average, United States (US) average, and Southeast (SE) average.  The southeast region consists of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Selected State Rankings, 2005 (“1” represents state with highest percentage of children vaccinated. Rankings reflect a standard competition ranking method that accounts for ties that result in two or more states having the same rank.)

Rev. 12.06.2007