THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, April 23, 1996 TAG: 9604230005
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
Do you know if your child is properly immunized? Many parents don't, and that's a big danger for their children.
In Virginia, 22 percent of 2-year olds have not received the full series of vaccines they need to protect them from life-threatening diseases, like measles and pertussis.
The good news is that we've made real progress in the past few years. Infant immunization rates are at their highest levels in history, and vaccine-preventable childhood diseases are at an all-time low.
But our work is far from done. There are still more than 1 million preschoolers in the country who haven't had all their shots - and your child could be one of them.
This week communities across the country are joining hands to ensure that all children get the shots they need, when they need them. But we need help. Parents need to check their children's immunization records, to make sure they're up-to-date, and bring the children in for their shots if not. Doctors need to take every opportunity to vaccinate children during office visits.
It's up to all of us to ensure that every child gets an equal shot at a healthy life. For information on where to go for shots, call 1-800-232-2522.
LYNN H. YEAKEL
Mid-Atlantic director
Department of Health & Human Services
Philadelphia, Pa., April 19, 1996 by CNB