FORT WALTON BEACH — The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County (DOH-Okaloosa) is observing April 16-23 as National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW). Babies need immunizations to protect against dangerous diseases like measles, whooping cough, and polio.
“National Infant Immunization Week is an opportunity for us to highlight the importance of immunizations to protect the public’s health,” Dr. Karen A. Chapman, DOH-Okaloosa director, stated. “Through immunization, we can now protect infants and children from 14 vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States.”
One example of the seriousness of vaccine preventable diseases is an increase in measles cases or outbreaks that were reported in 2014. The United States experienced a record number of measles cases, with 667 cases from 27 states. This was the greatest number of cases in the U.S. since measles was eliminated in 2000.
“It's easy to think of these as diseases of the past, but the truth is they still exist,” continued Dr. Chapman. “Children in the United States can—and do—still get some of these diseases.”
Communication between parents and health care professionals is critical. If parents or caregivers have any questions about the safety of immunizations, they should talk to their health care provider. Parents and caregivers can also learn more about immunizations at www.FloridaHealth.gov or http://www.CDC.gov/vaccines.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa health department observes Infant Immunization Week April 16-23