D-M clinic participates in National Infant Immunization Week

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Daniel Johnson
  • 355 Medical Operations Squadron
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Approximately one million children in the U.S. are not fully immunized by their second birthday. This week in celebration of National Infant Immunization Week, all around the country, doctors, nurses, clinics, and parents will be working together to get children caught up on their immunizations. Our goal is that every child will be immunized "on time, every time" by two years old. Don't wait until a child goes to school to catch up on vaccinations--you would be shocked to know how vulnerable your infant or baby is without the recommended immunizations. Older brothers and sisters, relatives, or even a trip to the grocery store can expose an infant to disease. By boosting babies' immune systems through vaccination, they are protected from what used to be common childhood diseases that many children did not survive prior to the advent of childhood immunizations.

In observance of National Infant Immunization week, 25 April to 2 May 2009, the 355th Medical Group is pleased to announce that we have procured Haemophilus Influenzae type B vaccine, after an extended national supply shortage. Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) can occur in infants and young children and can cause pneumonia, bacterial infections in the blood, brain and spinal cord. Hib remains a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children. While there remains a shortage of this vaccine in the United States, we have enough vaccines on hand for the DMAFB pediatric population. We strongly encourage parents of children ages two months to four years old to come into the clinic to start or complete this vaccine series. You will receive a letter in the mail during the upcoming weeks informing you that your child is delinquent on their vaccinations to include HiB.

When you're a parent or caregiver for your child, you're like an umbrella. Not only do you have to be ready to offer protection at any given moment, but you never know what's going to rain. It's often up to you to be that layer protecting your children from what life can throw at you, whether it's making sure the car seat is secure or insisting your child eats their whole dinner before having dessert. Today, let us remind you that you can shield your children from something you may take for granted--vaccine-preventable diseases.

The good news is that we are fortunate to have free vaccinations on base for our beneficiaries. There are 14 diseases you can protect your child against by immunizing them on time before they turn two years old. We have seen a great reduction in many diseases and want to continue this trend. We urge you to continue to be your children's umbrella, shielding and protecting them. 

How can you do this? 

1.  Make sure your child is up-to-date on immunizations; visit CDC's childhood scheduler online at: www2a.cdc.gov/nip/kidstuff/newscheduler_le/ find out what immunizations your child needs.

2. Get an immunization printouts or record, and bring it to every doctor's visit.
 
3. Ask at every visit if your child needs an immunization.

4. Talk with your child's doctor, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

5. Visit the CDC website at: www.cdc.gov/vaccines or call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information on immunizations.