Release Date: March 25, 2008

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – In 2007, 85 percent of pediatric patients under the age of two with a Presbyterian Medical Group (PMG) doctor received their scheduled immunizations.

In 2006, the national average for childhood immunization rates was 80.4 percent.

In order to improve childhood immunization rates, PMG created a process to determine the immunization status of children who had turned two by the end of 2007 and scheduled appointments for those children needing immunizations.

PMG also established an Immunization Task Force to address barriers to immunizations, implemented the use of an approved standing order allowing licensed nurses to give immunizations and conducted regular education sessions for providers, including current immunization rates.

"I am confident that New Mexico's rankings will improve from its current status of 40th. I commend the providers for implementing these efforts to improve the health of the children we serve," said Dr. Sylvia Crago, medical director of Pediatrics for Presbyterian Medical Group.

The Presbyterian sites that met or exceeded the system's long-term goal of 90 percent include Atrisco Family Practice, Belen Family Practice, Rio Rancho Pediatrics, San Mateo Family Practice and Pediatrics, and Ruidoso Family Practice.

Presbyterian serves to improve the health of individuals, families and communities. Presbyterian Healthcare Services was founded in New Mexico in 1908, and is the state’s only private, not-for-profit healthcare system. Presbyterian offers seven hospitals, a statewide health plan, and a growing multi-specialty medical group. Presbyterian employs more than 9,500 people throughout New Mexico.