Mark A. McDonnell, RS, MS, Health Commissioner

Robert P. Dillaplain, MD, Medical Director

 

News Release

For Immediate Release                 Contact: Sara T. Pappa, Public Information Officer

April 18, 2008                                   937-374-5662/866-858-3588

 

 

Greene County Combined Health District Celebrates

National Infant Immunization Week: April 19 – 26, 2008

 

(XENIA, OH)  The Greene County Combined Health District (GCCHD) is celebrating National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) April 19 – 26, 2008 by reminding residents of the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and celebrating the achievements of immunization programs in promoting healthy communities.  Important points to remember are:

·              Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. They not only help protect vaccinated individuals, but also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases.

 

·              Vaccination plays a critical role in safeguarding public health globally. During NIIW 2008, hundreds of communities across the United States will join those in the Western Hemisphere and Europe to celebrate Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) and European Immunization Week.

 

·              Infants are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases; that is why it is critical to protect them through immunization. Each day, nearly 12,000 babies are born in the United States who will need to be immunized against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases before age two.

 

·              Immunization is a shared responsibility. Families, healthcare providers, and public health officials must work together to help protect the entire community.

 

·              Immunizations are one of the most important ways parents can protect their children against serious diseases. Parents are encouraged to talk to their healthcare provider to ensure that their infant is up-to-date on immunizations.

 

·              Because of the success of vaccines in preventing disease in the United States, parents are often unaware that their children are at risk for so many serious and life-threatening diseases.

 

·              Vaccine-preventable diseases are at an all-time low in the United States.  However, these diseases still exist and continued vaccination is necessary to protect everyone from potential outbreaks.

 

·              Immunizations are extremely safe. Vaccines are thoroughly tested before being approved for public use and monitored carefully by doctors, researchers, and public health officials.

 

·              Vaccines not only prevent disease, they reduce the costs associated with missed time from work, doctor visits, and hospitalizations.  

 

Immunization Clinics are held:

  1. The Greene County Combined Health District, 360 Wilson Dr., Xenia, on Tuesdays from
    8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. and the 2nd Thursday of each month from
    4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  2. The Beavercreek YMCA, 560 Grange Hall Rd., Beavercreek, the 2nd Tuesday of each month
    from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
  3. The Fairborn WIC office, 600 Pierce Dr., Fairborn, the 3rd Thursday of each month from
    8:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Immunizations Clinics are walk-in clinics so no appointment is needed.

For more information, please call Public Health Nurse Kathy Pearson at (937) 374-5653.

Greene County Combined Health District – Your center for public health services and health information in Greene County for over 80 years.

Healthy People…Healthy Communities

360 Wilson Drive

Xenia, OH 45385

937-374-5600 * 866-858-3588 * Fax 937-374-5675