(Mason City) – April 21-28, 2012 is recognized as National Infant Immunization Week. Disease Prevention and Investigation officials at the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health would like to encourage parents to review their child’s immunization records to make sure their immunizations are current.
Most parents choose the safe and proven protection of vaccines. 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. Parents are encouraged to talk to their child’s medical provider or local public health agency to ensure their infant is up-to-date on immunizations.
Here is a listing of all vaccines children ages 0 – 6 years old should receive:
- Hepatitis B
- Rotavirus (RV)
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DtaP)
- Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)
- Pneumococcal
- Polio (IPV)
- Influenza
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Hepatitis A
Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. They not only protect vaccinated individuals, but also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
The Health Department offers free vaccine through the Vaccine for Children (VFC) Program for children through the age of 18 that meet any of the following criteria:
- Child has no health insurance coverage.
- Child is American Indian or Alaskan Native.
- Child is enrolled in Medicaid.
- Child is under-insured. This means the child’s health insurance does not cover the cost of immunizations.
The Immunization Clinic is open Monday – Friday from 10:00 AM – noon and 12:30 – 4:00 PM.
For more information about immunizations, please visit www.cghealth.com or call (641) 421-9324.
Parents need to take advantage of this program and make sure their children are immunized against diseases. They are playing with fir and with the lives of their children and other people when the don’t.