by Cobb-Douglas Public Health | Douglasville Patch |
National Infant Immunization Week is April 22 – April 29, 2017
Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. Vaccines not only help protect our children, but can also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is April 22 – April 29, 2017, and Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH), along with the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), urge residents of Cobb and Douglas Counties to share the responsibility and make sure their infants are up-to-date on vaccinations.
“One of the best ways to protect our children is to make sure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations,” said Priti Kolhe, District Immunization Director for Cobb & Douglas Public Health. “It is also important to ensure families and friends are current on their vaccinations.”
For children who are underinsured or whose parents/guardians may not be able to afford vaccines, there is an assistance program called Vaccines for Children (VFC), which provides eligible children with vaccines according to the recommended immunization schedule, at no cost for the vaccines. This program has contributed directly to a substantial increase in childhood immunization coverage levels, making a significant contribution to the elimination of disparities in vaccination coverage among young children.
According to the CDC, the United States currently has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in its history. Scientists, doctors and health care professionals give vaccines to children only after long and careful review. The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for most children.
For more information on vaccinations, call 770-514-2300, visit our Child Health immunizations page or visit www.dph.georgia.gov/immunization-section.
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