National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is an annual observance to highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and to celebrate the achievements of immunization programs in promoting healthy communities throughout the United States. This year, NIIW is scheduled to be held April 20-27.
Because of the success of vaccines in preventing disease, parents may not have heard of some of today’s vaccines or the serious diseases they prevent. These diseases can be especially serious for infants and young children. That is why it is important to follow the recommended immunization schedule to protect infants and children by providing immunity early in life, before they are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccine-preventable diseases still circulate in the United States and around the world, so continued vaccination is necessary to protect everyone from potential outbreaks. Even when diseases are rare in the U.S., they can be brought into the country, putting unvaccinated children at risk. One example of the seriousness of vaccine-preventable diseases is the increase in whooping cough (pertussis) cases or outbreaks that have been reported in a majority of states during 2012. Today, there are cases in every state, and the country is on track to have the most reported cases since 1959. As of November 16, 2012, more than 35,000 cases have been reported across the United States, including 16 deaths. The majority of these deaths were among infants younger than 3 months of age.
Come celebrate with us at the Darke County Health Department. There will be a special Walk-In Clinic Tuesday April 23 8-10:30 and 2-5pm. Celebrations will include refreshments, a door prize drawing for anyone who receives an immunization, and small prizes for the children. Free Tdap (Whooping Cough Vaccine) will be given to the first twenty qualified adults. All children need immunizations at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 18 months, with a goal of finishing immunizations by age two. Vaccines prevent disease. Protect your child. If your child is behind, come in to the walk-in clinic on Tuesday to get caught up.
The Darke County Health Department accepts cash, check, and the following insurances: Medical Mutual, Anthem BC/BS, Amerigroup, Caresource, Molina, and Ohio Medicaid.
The Darke County Health Department, 300 Garst Ave. Greenville, Ohio 45331
(937) 548-4196 X224 www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/index.html