For Immediate Release: April 14, 2003 (03-064)

Contacts:
Cindy Gleason, Health Educator 360-236-3569
Deanna Whitman, Communications Office 360-236-4022

OLYMPIA ¾ Immunizations are a safe and effective way to keep children healthy. During National Infant Immunization Week, the State Department of Health reminds parents of the importance of immunizing their children to prevent disease, disability and death.

"Immunization is the single most important way parents can protect their children against serious diseases; there are no effective alternatives to immunization," said State Health Officer Maxine Hayes. Infants are vulnerable to becoming infected with serious diseases because their developing immune systems cannot easily fight off disease-causing bacteria and viruses; and the effects of disease are often more serious in infants.

Many vaccine preventable diseases have been greatly reduced since the introduction of vaccines, but the diseases are still out there. "More parents are immunizing their children; however there is still work to be done," Hayes said. Children need over 80% of their vaccinations before the age of two, yet 22,500 children in our state are not fully immunized.

Vaccines do more than protect the child who receives the immunization; they also protect others against disease, especially those who haven’t received all their vaccinations. "Infants are more vulnerable to disease than older children and adults. It is important for adults to be vaccinated, because they often carry the diseases and can spread them to vulnerable children," Hayes said.

Annually in the U.S. 36,000 adults die from influenza; over 6,000 die from pneumococcal infections, and up to 5,000 die from hepatitis B. "These diseases are preventable, but vaccinations are essential," Hayes said.

The Department of Health Immunizations Web site (www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/immunize) has more information on childhood and adult immunizations.

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