U.S. Census Bureau features 'Immunization' on Profile America

Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21: IMMUNIZATION

Profile America — Saturday, August 21st.  Many people die each year in the U.S. from diseases that could have been prevented by immunization.  Many more experience pain, suffering and disability.  That's why this is National Immunization Awareness Month — calling attention to the importance of people of all ages to get their shots.  Also known as vaccination, its most spectacular success came in the eradication of smallpox, a human scourge for thousands of years.   The last known natural case was diagnosed over 30 years ago.  While Edward Jenner and Louis Pasteur developed modern immunization, the process was known in ancient China and India.  In the U.S., more than 90 percent of young children have been immunized against common childhood diseases.  You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.