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On-Time Immunizations Encouraged |
April 18, 2007
Guest Column Submission |
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To The Editor:
Immunizing children assures the health of
children, families, neighbors and community. The Galveston County Health
District and community partners will provide free immunizations to children in
recognition of National Infant Immunization Week, April 21-28.
During this week
we stress the importance of preventing diseases through scheduled vaccinations -
a major public health achievement for preventing illness, outbreaks, and death.
As Galveston County Health Authority, I
encourage parents to immunize their children "on-time." Annually, public health
nurses witness the "back-to-school-rush," when hundreds of parents seek
childhood vaccinations in order to meet school entry requirements. However,
the right time to schedule a child's immunizations depends on their age. Using
the age-based schedule, a child would be immunized "on-time" throughout the
year, avoiding added stress during the back-to-school rush. Most importantly,
getting immunized "on-time" fully protects children without delay. Not doing so
may put both the child, and others, at risk of dangerous & infectious diseases.
Pertussis also known as "whooping cough," is a great example of the need to
vaccinate on-time. Health District disease investigators have seen an increase
in reported pertussis infections in recent years. Last year, 9 children in the
county were diagnosed and treated for pertussis which, like other vaccine
preventable illnesses, requires multiple age-based doses for full protection. A
total of five scheduled doses, from 2 months of age to 4-6 years of age are
needed for full protection. The current age-based schedule for vaccines can be
found at
www.cdc.gov/nip/recs/child-schedule-bw-print.pdf.
These vaccines are very safe and effective.
Difficulty comparing immunization rates are attributed to many factors including
frequent changes in where parents obtain services, frequent changes in the
immunization schedule, differences in how estimates are made, and an evolving,
yet incomplete, state registry of children’s vaccination records. Other complex
statistical factors make it impossible to precisely "compare apples to apples"
by year or by different locations. The good news is that partnerships help! The Health District's Immunization
Advisory Council helps by providing volunteers, donations, incentives, and
entertainment during campaigns. These partnerships help to convert an
unpleasant experience for most parents and children, into one that is rewarding
and entertaining. The District has seen increased numbers of children getting
vaccinated and has increased the availability of state-supplied vaccine among
private medical providers. Additionally, immunization reminders are helping
busy parents to get children immunized on-time. Finally, additional resources
in 2007 will help further expand the availability of vaccines for eligible
children (uninsured, etc.) who are immunized in the private medical community
and will help promote use of the state registry, ImmTrac, as a tool to improve
immunization rates.
It takes our entire county community - public, private, parents, volunteers,
friends and neighbors to successfully maintain and improve children's
immunizations in our county. During National Immunization Week, make it a point
to talk to others about the importance of getting immunized "on-time."
Health District staff will be providing free shots, promoting this healthy
behavior at community-based events. For complete information, see
www.gchd.org or call the
Immunizations Program at (409) 938-2244.
Dr. Harlan “Mark” Guidry
CEO & Galveston County Health Authority
Galveston County Health District For More Information Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
409-938-2211 or 409-392-0007
kkoopman@gchd.org |
