SOUTH BEND — Indiana’s low immunization rate has local health officials concerned. They say if not enough children are immunized, deadly childhood diseases could make a comeback.

The state ranks 39th in the nation when it comes to immunization rates.

Health officials say nearly a quarter of children in Indiana are not getting the immunizations they need. Most are between birth and 35 months.

“We have a lot of kids that are behind on shots, especially going to school,” said Dr. Julia Fashner at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. “The school system finds out they're behind and sends them to the physician.”

Health officials say the consequences of not staying up-to-date on your shots can be deadly.

It's a big concern at the St. Joseph County Health Department.

“If nothing is done, we will see increasing numbers of vaccine preventable deaths. We'll see increasing numbers of children who are under-immunized,” said Barb Baker, director of nursing at the Health Department.

The risk includes diseases like the measles, mumps, and pneumonia.

But why are so many waiting?

Baker points to factors like cost, the economy and an increasing number of uninsured children. Also lack of proper state funding, fear by parents to vaccinate, and a false sense of security all contribute to the low rate.

“We need to increase public awareness. We need to let people know it is critical to their overall health and well being,” said Baker.

Melody Holmes says she makes sure her daughter is up-to-date with her vaccines.

“It's scary to me because the kids have so much contact at school. I think it's very important to make sure the illnesses that were once very prevalent don't come back,” explained Holmes.

The state has allocated $11 million for improving immunization rates in Indiana.

In April, the St. Joseph County Health Department, along with Memorial and St. Joseph hospitals and the United Way are planning a summit on the issue. The focus will be public awareness.