Infant Immunization Week timely as childhood diseases resurge

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Vancouver, WA —The recent resurgence in the U.S. of vaccine preventable diseases such as pertussis, measles and chickenpox underscores the need to protect infants through immunization. So far this year, seven cases of measles have been reported in the state and Clark County has seen 51 whooping cough (pertussis) cases compared with 15 cases this time last year. Chickenpox cases also have been reported at local schools. During National Infant Immunization Week, April 18-25, Public Health is urging continued vigilance by parents and health care providers to ensure infants are current on their vaccines. “Giving babies the recommended immunizations by age two is the best way to protect them from 16 serious diseases,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County Health Officer. “Immunization is a shared responsibility. Families, health care professionals and public health officials need to work together to help protect the entire community.” Parents and guardians are encouraged to check with their provider to ensure their child is up to date on vaccines. Vaccines are provided for free, though an administration fee may be charged. No child in the state can be denied state-supplied vaccine because of the inability to pay an administration or office visit fee. The Free Clinic of Southwest Washington holds vaccination clinics without administration fees for uninsured children on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. They are on a walk-in basis, 5:30–7:30 p.m. The clinic is at 4100 Plomondon St. Sign-in begins at 5 p.m. Parents and guardians are reminded to bring their child’s immunization records, if they have them. Although immunization rates among young children in Clark County have improved in recent years, the percentage of young children who have received all recommended vaccines is lower than the national target of 80 percent. In 2014, 60 percent of Clark County children ages 24-35 months were up-to-date on vaccines. Through the Clark County Immunization Coalition, Public Health works with local health care providers, businesses and schools to improve local immunization rates. Strategies include community education, ensuring safe and effective vaccine delivery, and promoting partnerships. “Because vaccines have been so successful in preventing disease, parents may not have heard of some of today’s vaccines or the serious diseases they prevent,” said Brianna Dannen, coalition co-chair. “It’s important to follow the recommended immunization schedule to protect infants and children early in life, before they are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.”