
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, July 19, 1994                   TAG: 9407220090
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-7   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

TAKE NOTE

The Virginia Department of Health reports that "only 56 percent of Virginia's 2-year-olds are fully immunized".

Many infectious diseases that once crippled or killed children can be prevented today by having childhood immunizations. Yet, many children are not receiving all the immunizations they need. Sylvia Bond, Immunization Coordinator for the New River Health District, says there are many reasons that may lead to Virginia's low immunization levels, including:

A belief that immunizations are expensive.

A lack of transportation.

A lack of knowledge.

Preschool children should complete their primary vaccines and booster doses before entering school.

Immunizations are provided free at all local health departments.

For more information contact your local health department. Here are the phone numbers for the New River Health District:

Floyd County - 745-2141.

Giles County - 921-2891.

Montgomery County - 382-2740.

Pulaski County - 980-1490.

Radford City - 831-5774.

by CNB