Release Date: April 28, 2010
Contact: Christine Patmon, Metro Health Public Relations Manager, 207-8638
City’s Youngest Residents Have High Vaccination Protection
Metro Health details successes and shortcomings during NIIW
With the birth of more than 25,000 residents in the San Antonio area each year since the year 2000, San Antonio’s Public Health Team works with its partners, private providers, and parents to help ensure our community is protected from diseases in an ever increasing global society. These efforts are paying off as our community continues to see high immunization rates among our youngest generation.
According to the latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, three out of four local children ages 19 to 35 months are fully covered against the age-appropriate vaccine preventable diseases. Data from Metro Health show immunization rates are higher in some areas of the community, while lower in a few pockets of the city. Director of Health Dr. Fernando Guerra highlighted those details as he and Goodwill Industries CEO Bob Dugas called attention to National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) today at the Good Health! at Goodwill Clinic, 727 NW Loop 410.
“Immunizations continue to be one of the greatest public health success stories. Yet, we must remember that we live in a far reaching global society and the readily available vaccines we have here are not as accessible in other parts of the world. We must keep our vaccination coverage at high levels in order to prevent disease outbreaks that could originate in remote areas and travel within our own borders,” said Dr. Guerra.
“Goodwill is glad to play a part in maintaining public safety through our partnership with Metro Health for this clinic. Making these services available to families is important to us and our mission to change lives,” said Dugas.
Diseases such as mumps, measles, pertussis, polio and Hib are covered by immunizations a child receives during the first two years of life. NIIW highlights the importance of protecting infants from these vaccine-preventable diseases and celebrates the achievements of immunization programs and their partners in promoting healthy communities. This year’s NIIW observance began on April 24 and continues through May 1.
Families without insurance, those underinsured, or who are covered by Medicaid or CHIP may be eligible for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides the vaccine at no cost. Providers may charge administrative fees.
For more information on immunizations, childhood vaccination schedules or the VFC program, call 207-8894.
