Health department raising awareness of immunizations.

Each year, thousands of children become ill from diseases that could have been prevented by basic childhood immunizations. Countless more miss time from daycare and school because they aren’t up to date on immunizations.

During the week of April 16-23, 2016 District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) is participating in National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) to raise awareness about the importance of childhood immunizations. DHD#10 reminds families and community members how important it is for children to be vaccinated. NIIW is a valuable opportunity to contact your primary care provider or local DHD#10 office to make sure your family is fully immunized.

Most parents choose the safe, proven protection of vaccines. Giving babies the recommended immunizations by age two is the best way to protect them from 14 serious childhood diseases, according to a press release from the health department.

One important vaccine for babies prevents severe diarrhea caused by rotavirus. The vaccine can prevent an estimated 50,000 hospitalizations every year among infants and children in the United States.

Most insurances now cover the cost of childhood and adult vaccines but if not or you are uninsured, contact your provider or local DHD#10 office about programs that can help.  The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program provides vaccines for children who meet the eligibility requirements.  VFC is available at District Health Department #10 and many health care providers; contact them today to see if your child qualifies for VFC.