Lowndes Co. Health Dept: Infant Immunization Week | Families

VALDOSTA, GA – News release from Lowndes County Health Department

Each year, thousands of children become ill from diseases that could have been prevented by basic childhood immunizations.

Countless more miss time from day care and school because they are under-immunized or inappropriately immunized.

During the week of April 21-28, Lowndes County Health Department will observe National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention initiative designed to raise awareness about the importance of childhood immunizations.

Hundreds of communities across the United States will join those in countries around the world to celebrate the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our children, communities, and public health.

Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death.

They not only help protect vaccinated individuals, but also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases.

“Giving babies the recommended immunizations by age two is the best way to protect them from 14 serious childhood diseases, like whooping cough and measles,” states Lisa Thomas, RN, County Nurse Manager.

“Parents are encouraged to speak to their child’s health care provider to ensure that their child is up-to-date on immunizations.”

Vaccine-preventable diseases still circulate in the U.S. and around the world, so continued vaccination is necessary to protect everyone from possible outbreaks. Even when diseases are rare in the U.S., they can be brought into the country, putting unvaccinated children at risk.

To further protect infants, Lowndes County Health Department has a car seat safety program to help parents ensure that their children are protected using the proper child restraint system in their vehicles. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children across the country.

Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the health department to receive needed immunizations and participate in a car seat safety class. Car seats may be available for families with an identified financial need.

For more information on immunizations or to register for a car seat safety class contact Lowndes County Health Department at 333-5257. You can also visit them online at www.southhealthdistrict.com/lowndes.