On Oct. 1, 1994, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services implemented the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which will provide free vaccine to children at participating private and public health-care provider sites of their choice. Children who are eligible for free vaccines include those on Medicaid, those without insurance, and American Indians/Alaskan Natives.

In addition, children whose insurance does not cover vaccination (i.e., who are underinsured) can receive vaccines through the VFC at federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics. Other children can receive free vaccines at public clinics under existing programs.

Reports in this issue of MMWR highlight efforts directed at childhood vaccination and address 1) 1993 childhood vaccination coverage rates, 2) missed opportunities as a cause of undervaccination, 3) the incidence of childhood vaccine-preventable diseases, and 4) certification of poliomyelitis elimination in the Americas.