News and Alerts
Posted: April 19, 2008
National Infant Immunization Week is April 19-26, 2008
Immunizations: Stay on track for a lifetime of good health
National Infant Immunization Week is an annual observance emphasizing the need to fully immunize children ages 2 and younger against vaccine-preventable diseases. This year, California is encouraging infant and toddler immunizations with the theme, "Immunizations: Stay on track for a lifetime of good health." Children and their caregivers need timely immunizations to protect themselves and their community from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Immunizations are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. High immunization coverage levels in a community translate into a healthy community. A decision to vaccinate is a decision to protect not only an individual, but the entire community as well.
Information for Parents
- Did you know babies need shots at birth, 2, 4, 6, 12, 15, and 18 months of age? Ask your doctor or clinic to make sure your baby is on track with immunizations.
- Because immunizations are given to millions of children every year, they have to meet a higher level of safety than most medications. Safety and research studies are continually in progress to insure today's vaccines are the safest ever!
- Are your children's immunization records on the computerized Immunization Registry? Keeping your children's records on the Immunization Registry helps to insure your children are up-to-date and their records are easily accessible. Ask your doctor or clinic about the Immunization Registry.
Immunizations Are Not Just for Kids
- We know that babies need shots to be protected against diseases. But shots aren't just for babies. Parents, babysitters, older siblings and grandparents also need to be up-to-date! Check with your health care provider to see how your family can stay healthy.
- Did you know if you are not up-to-date with your vaccines, you could pass on dangerous diseases that could harm your baby or grandchild? Diseases such as pertussis (whooping cough) and influenza can be especially harmful to a baby. Protect your family and community by being up-to-date on your immunizations!
- Your doctor or clinic can help you understand when shots are needed for your family and yourself. If you have questions or concerns about immunizations, talk to your health care provider.
Resources
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website offers information about vaccines:
The public health clinics offer immunizations for the whole family, and record all immunizations into the Immunization Registry.
The community health centers in Sonoma County (pdf) offer immunizations for the whole family, and also utilize the Immunization Registry.
Download fun coloring pages for children!
- in English (pdf)
- en Español (pdf)
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