This week is National Infant Immunization Week, and the Union County Health Department (UCHD) is celebrating vaccinations, one of modern medicine’s biggest achievements.
Today, some diseases that once injured or killed thousands of children are no longer common in the U.S., primarily due to safe and effective vaccines. Vaccines have helped eradicate and reduce the number of cases for many diseases, including polio and measles.
Children and teens today can be protected against 16 vaccine preventable diseases when fully immunized before the age of 18. Vaccination works best when given according to the schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and when as many children as possible are vaccinated.
“To help provide protection for all children, it is important that each child who is medically eligible for vaccination get fully vaccinated,” said Joyce Richmond, director of nursing for the UCHD. “This not only protects your family, but also helps prevent the spread of these diseases to your friends, loved ones and child’s playmates.”
The Union County Health Department encourages all parents to talk to their doctor about the importance of vaccination. Parents can talk to a public health nurse at the UCHD.
Parents are encouraged to get their child vaccinated at their pediatrician or family doctor. The department also offers all recommended childhood vaccinations.
The Health Department provides vaccinations at low cost or no cost, based on a sliding fee scale, to children ages birth to 18 years old through the federal Vaccines for Children program. No child is refused vaccines due to inability to pay.
An appointment can be made by calling 937-642-2053. Evening appointments are available. The UCHD accepts most insurances.