National Infant Immunization Week is April 23-30

            Public Health has a history of successful initiatives that have changed lives for the better, and one of the very best is the story of immunizations.

            “We have all enjoyed the benefits of the success of vaccines in reducing the risk of life-threatening infectious diseases,”   said Dr. Adi Pour, Douglas County Health Director. “These killer diseases have not gone away, and can make a comeback, like pertussis and measles have, if we aren’t vigilant about keeping up-to-date on recommended vaccinations.”

                Infants are unable to protect themselves from these diseases because their immune systems are not fully developed. The adults who care for them must protect these children from exposure to infectious diseases as much as possible, by keeping babies away from people who are sick and making sure family and friends wash their hands before holding the baby. They also should get the infant in for their well baby visits on time. An important part of these visits is  the immunizations that will start protecting them from the diseases that killed so many infants in the past.  

            One disease that children need to be vaccinated against is chicken pox. Children who have had the disease do not need the series. It is important to make sure the children actually had the disease, especially for those who may never have seen their doctor. Physicians can run a test to check for antibodies that will determine if the child is protected or needs to be vaccinated.

            Children who have not been vaccinated against chicken pox will not be allowed to attend school next year. Parents are advised to call the Douglas County Health Department Immunization Clinic for an appointment now at 402-444-6118. Opportunities are becoming limited.

                 Another important tool for protecting children is the Nebraska State Immunization Information System.  NESIIS offers individuals the opportunity to have personal access to their immunization records, and private physicians can enroll their patients. For answers to your questions about NESIIS, call 888-433-2510.

            “Please make an appointment this week to get your child vaccinated,” Dr. Pour said. “It’s the right thing to do for your child.”