World Immunization Week is April 24 – 30, making it a great time for parents and families to review immunization schedules and to ensure children are up-to-date on vaccinations. Immunizations are the best way to prevent the spread of serious, and sometimes deadly, diseases.
Vaccinations give parents the power to protect their children against 14 serious childhood diseases before age 2. Immunizations not only prevent your child from contracting sometimes deadly diseases, they protect others around them as well.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 277 babies died as a result of whooping cough, or pertussis, from 2000 to 2014. Of those, 241 were younger than 3 months of age – a population that is too young to be fully protected against whooping cough through vaccines.
Following an immunization schedule can prevent the spread of disease to infants and children who aren’t yet fully protected.
But immunizations aren’t just for young children and babies. Preteens, teens and adults need additional vaccinations as well. Check with your health care provider about your immunization needs to protect yourself and those around you from preventable diseases.
Mesa County Health Department’s Public Health Clinic, 510 29 1/2 Road, offers immunizations by appointment from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday and from 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays. Call (970) 248-6900 to make an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Fridays.
These local pharmacies also offer immunizations.
For more information on vaccines, visit the CDC.