Immunizations can save your child’s life . . . Infant Immunization Week is April 26 – May 3, 2014

Thanks to immunizations, children can be protected against more diseases than ever before. In fact, some diseases that once injured or killed thousands of children, have been eliminated completely and others are close to extinction– primarily due to safe and effective vaccines. Take polio for example, this was once the most-feared disease in America, causing death and paralysis across the country, yet today, thanks to vaccination, there are no reports of polio in the U.S.

Despite advances in immunizations, too many children in Jefferson County, Colorado and in the U.S. still get vaccine-preventable diseases. In fact, we have seen resurgences of measles and whooping cough (pertussis) over the past few years.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from January through July 2013, more than 11,000 cases of whooping cough were reported in the U.S.  Pertussis can be life threatening, especially for infants. Currently California and New York are experiencing increased measle cases.  Travelers, infected abroad, brought the disease with them and spread it among those in the U.S. who have not been vaccinated. Read this editorial on measles and its return to New York City and here is an article about rising cases in California.

JCPH urges everyone to be sure their children have the vaccinations they need. 

• Please call 303-232-6301 to schedule an immunization clinic visit at our Arvada or Lakewood offices. 
• For more information about the importance of infant immunization, visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines