Galveston Island, Texas, is working with the Texas Department of Health and the Sealy Center for Vaccine Development at the University of Texas Medical Branch to increase immunization rates on the island, where less than 50 percent of children under two years of age have all of their recommended vaccinations. "The only reason I can see why people would permit this is people don't understand their children are at risk," said Dr. Martin Myers, an associate director of the Sealy Center and a professor of pediatrics and preventive medicine at the university. Myers is coordinating the endeavor, which will focus on Galveston Island Infant Immunization Week beginning April 24, 2004, and provide educational materials and free vaccinations paid for by the state. The collaborative effort's ultimate goal is to bring Galveston Island's immunization rates for toddlers up to 90 percent or better by 2007.