THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 21, 1994 TAG: 9410190176
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 02K EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
Many children in Hampton Roads go unprotected against life-threatening, yet preventable childhood diseases because they are not properly immunized, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of County Health Officials.
To help improve vaccination rates, participating McDonald's restaurants in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina are joining forces with local members of the two health groups to launch an immunization education campaign for October's Child Health Month.
``Immunize for Healthy Lives'' aims to break down barriers to childhood vaccinations by using education materials and local community activities to talk to parents about the importance of preventive health care for children through timely immunizations.
Throughout October, participating McDonald's restaurants will distribute educational material via tray liners for parents featuring the recommended vaccine schedule. Area health departments are also working with local McDonald's to provide specific information on immunization clinic hours.
McDonald's will continue its incentive program, begun in 1993, by providing coupons for free sundae samplers and french fries to any health department requesting them. These coupons are given to the young patients and their parents to encourage a complete sequence of immunizations. by CNB