Childhood Immunization Week begins April 18

Friday, April 10, 1998 | 9:24 a.m.

Because of the success of vaccines in preventing disease, many families have not seen a case of diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), or polio in two or more generations. People don't realize the severity or the devastation these diseases can cause. Too many parents are unaware that children need at least 12 vaccinations by their second birthday to be adequately protected against certain diseases. Currently, childhood vaccination schedules can protect against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, mumps, measles, rubella, chicken pox, haemophilus influenzae B, and hepatitis B. Many parents may think the discomfort caused by the injection and the minute risk of illness from the immunization itself are good reasons not to immunize their children. But parents who do immunize their children not only ensure individual protection for them, but also contribute to the overall protection of other children and their community.

Within the past three years in Nevada, there have been 212 cases of pertussis and eight cases of measles, all of which could have been prevented through immunization. In 1997, Nevada also experienced three of the five national cases of toxigenic diphtheria. Immunizing all children on time, every time can assists in limiting new outbreaks of disease, making our Nevada communities healthier for everyone.

Immunization clinics are planned in 15 locations around the state during the week of April 18-25, including the communities of Elko, Hawthorne, Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Reno/Sparks, Sun Valley and Winnemucca. Vaccines will be given free of charge to infants, toddlers, school-age children, and adolescents at the clinics. Fourteen Nevada hospitals are collaborating with their local county health department or public health clinic to host and/or staff these clinics. Participating hospitals include: Boulder City Hospital, Carson-Tahoe Hospital, Desert Springs Hospital, Elko General Hospital, Humboldt General Hospital, Lake Mead Hospital Medical Center, Mountain View Hospital, Mt. Grant General Hospital, Northern Nevada Medical Center, St. Mary's Health Network, St. Rose Dominican Hospital, Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, University Medical Center, and Washoe Medical Center.

For more information, call Stacy Jennings, 827-0184.