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Free Shots
Offered During
National Immunization Week
Press Release
April 20, 2005La Marque – The Galveston County Health
District will join over 500 communities throughout the United States and 35
countries in recognizing National Infant Immunization Week Monday, April 25th
through Saturday, April 30th. While the focus of the campaign is on
infants aged two years and younger, free immunizations will be provided to
children up to 18 years old. (See Schedule)
The purpose of this campaign is to educate parents, caregivers, providers, and
communities on the importance of timely infant immunizations. Particularly in
the first 24 months of life when children need more than 80 percent of their
vaccinations to protect them from disease, disabilities, and death.
Dr. Dana Beckham, Epidemiologist with the Health District says, “Currently
there is no system to accurately assess immunization compliance for entire
county populations. However, a variety of studies done on specifics groups
suggest rates in Galveston County meet or exceed state averages.”
The national goal for immunization compliance is 90% of children being
adequately immunized. Every study conducted in the county suggests there has
been great improvement in local rates but there is still room for additional
gains to meet the national goal.
In order to assist parents with remembering when children need an immunization
the District is developing a reminder program. “While most children in the
county receive immunizations in private clinics for those that receive
immunizations at the District parents will receive a reminder when a new one is
needed,” according to June Gonzales the District’s Immunization Nurse Manager.
“We also provide outreach and education on the importance of immunizations by
distributing information at events such as health fairs and school programs.” Dr. Mark Guidry, CEO of the Health District and Health Authority for Galveston
County says, “Immunization protects children, families and communities. Children
who are not immunized are not only at risk of contracting disease themselves,
but they are also at risk of spreading disease to their family members and
others in the community. It is extremely important that children get their
vaccinations in the prescribed timeframes.”
Four convenient locations have been set up to offer the vaccinations. See the
schedule for times. A number of activities are planned during the week including
face painting, clowns, games and give-ways. Parents and other caregivers of children may access the free immunization on the
following day at the locations listed:
Texas
City Immunization Clinic, 2000
Texas Avenue, Texas City, (409) 949-3459
April 25th, 27th, 28th, & 29th
:8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
April 26th:
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Galveston Immunization Clinic,
4700 Broadway, Galveston, (409) 763-7227
April 25th:
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
April 27th:
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.Dickinson Immunization Clinic,
905 Pine Drive, Dickinson, (281) 337-4043
April 26th, 28th & 29th:
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
La Marque Immunization Clinic,
1207 Oak Street, La Marque,
(409) 938-2244
April 30th:
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Read the editorial- published April 23, 2005
For More Information Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
(409) 938-2211
kkoopman@gchd.org
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