SpringfieldNewsSun.com

URBANA, Ohio — Last week was observed as National Infant Immunization week, April 19 through 26. Your Champaign Health District staff stands ready to help you protect your children and yourself against many vaccine-preventable diseases.

In the U.S., vaccines have reduced or eliminated many infectious diseases that once routinely killed or harmed thousands of infants and young children each year. However, the viruses and bacteria that cause vaccine-preventable disease and death still exist and can be passed on to people who are not immunized. Vaccine-preventable diseases have many social and economic costs. These diseases result in doctor visits, hospitalizations and even death. Sick children miss school and can cause parents to lose time from work.

You know about the importance of car seats, baby gates and other ways to keep children safe. But, did you know that one of the best ways to protect your children is to make sure they have all of their vaccinations?

• Immunizations can save your child's life. Because of advances in medical science, your child can be protected against more diseases than ever before. Some diseases that once injured or killed thousands of children have been eliminated completely and others are close to being gone — primarily due to safe and effective vaccines.

• Vaccination is safe and effective. All vaccines are only given to children after a long and careful review by health care professionals. The most comprehensive scientific studies and reviews have not found a link between vaccines and autism. The vaccines provided to children at the Champaign Health District do not contain Thimerosal, the type of mercury that many believe harms children.

• Immunization protects others you care about. Serious vaccine-preventable diseases still occur. Unfortunately, some babies are too young to be completely vaccinated and some people may not be able to receive vaccinations due to allergies, illness, weakened immune systems or other reasons. To help keep these individuals safe, it is important that you and your children who are able to get vaccinated are fully immunized. This not only protects your family, but also helps prevent the spread of these diseases to your friends and loved ones.

• Immunization protects future generations. Vaccines have reduced and, in some cases, eliminated many diseases that killed or severely disabled people just a few generations before. For example, smallpox vaccination helped eradicate that disease worldwide. Your children don't have to get smallpox shots any more because the disease no longer exists. If we keep vaccinating now, parents in the future may be able to trust that diseases like polio and measles won't infect, cripple or kill children.

The Champaign Health District provides vaccines to children and adults at little to no cost; no one is ever turned away for inability to pay for routine vaccines. Call the district at (937) 484-1514 or visit the Web site www.champaignhd.com for more information.

Shelia L. Hiddleson is the

Champaign

County

Health Commissioner.

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