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- <text id=93TT2509>
- <title>
- Feb. 15, 1993: Shots on the House
- </title>
- <history>
- TIME--The Weekly Newsmagazine--1993
- Feb. 15, 1993 The Chemistry of Love
- </history>
- <article>
- <source>Time Magazine</source>
- <hdr>
- THE WEEK, Page 19
- HEALTH & SCIENCE
- Shots on the House
- </hdr>
- <body>
- <p>The U.S. considers a plan to immunize all children for free
- </p>
- <p> Modern medicine can prevent a host of childhood diseases--but not if kids don't get their shots. Only half of Americans age
- 2 and under are given the recommended vaccinations against
- measles, whooping cough and other diseases. In poor urban
- neighborhoods, the level is an appalling 10%. To deal with that
- tragedy, the Clinton Administration is looking at several
- proposals, including a plan for the Federal Government to spend
- as much as $700 million to buy enough of various vaccines to
- give all children free shots. Currently, the required
- vaccinations for one child cost more than $250--up from less
- than $25 in 1982.
- @p
- Drug companies are balking at the giveaway plan because
- they fear the government will force prices down. Vaccines are
- not big profitmakers, and widespread discounts could lead
- manufacturers to abandon the field. Even supporters admit that
- a free-vaccine program will not be totally successful unless it
- includes an educational and outreach program to make sure
- parents get the message.
- </p>
-
- </body>
- </article>
- </text>
-
-