San Diego Immunization Coalition urges parents to keep children healthy

SAN DIEGO COUNTY – The San Diego Immunization Coalition (SDIC) has urged parents throughout the county to keep their children as healthy as possible by arranging for them to have recommended immunizations.

In 2009 there were 143 cases of whooping cough (Pertussis) reported in the county, close to three times the 51 cases reported in 2008. Pertussis is a contagious disease that can make young babies very ill. This illness can infect adults, usually less severely than it does children. Infected adults can unintentionally transmit the disease to children too young to have been fully immunized against it.

Last year the county experienced the H1N1 pandemic influenza, which sickened many, caused more than 900 persons to be hospitalized, and resulted in 55 deaths.

Ten clusters of chickenpox (Varicella) cases were reported from schools in 2009, but many cases could be prevented if children received two doses of vaccine. These are both examples of vaccine preventable diseases and highlight the need to make sure children and adults stay up-to-date on recommended vaccinations.

From April 24 to May 1 is National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) and Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA). Toddler Immunization Month (TIM) is held in May 2010.

Shots aren’t just for babies. Children and adults are recommended to get a flu vaccine shot each year. Children from four to six years of age are recommended to receive additional vaccines. Shots are also recommended at other times like the adolescent years, before college entry and throughout adult life into the senior years.

Ask your health care professional which shots you or your child may need.

Please visit the San Diego Immunization Branch web site at http://www.sdiz.org to learn more.