Public Health, Delta & Menominee Counties promotes
National Infant Immunization Week

One of the most remarkable public health achievements of the current century is the success of immunization. In the United States, most vaccine-preventable diseases have been reduced by more than 99 percent since the introduction of vaccines, and reported cases of vaccine-preventable diseases are at, or near, all-time low levels. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reached a goal of having 90 percent vaccination coverage for most of the childhood vaccine-preventable diseases. In 1999, Michigan achieved a record high of having 86 percent of children under two years of age fully immunized against childhood vaccine-preventable diseases. Due to local efforts, Delta and Menominee counties presently exceed the national immunization coverage rates.

"We have made great progress, but our job is not yet finished," says Kathy Cole, Immunization Supervisor for the Delta-Menominee District Health Department. "The viruses and bacteria that cause vaccine-preventable diseases and death still exist and can be passed on to those individuals who are not protected. Vaccine- preventable diseases have a costly impact, resulting in doctor’s visits, hospitalizations, and premature deaths. Caring for sick children can also cause parents to spend time away from their jobs", according to Cole.

National Infant Immunization Week, April 13-19, 2003, is an annual observance that highlights the importance of timely infant immunizations. Children need 80 percent of their vaccinations in the first two years of life to protect them against disease, disability, and even death. Infant immunization is a simple and inexpensive way to protect children from a number of potentially deadly infectious diseases. For every dollar spent on immunization, as much as $29 can be saved in direct and indirect medical costs.

According to Cole, "Vaccines have proven to be safe and effective in providing the best protection against preventable infectious diseases. It is wise to immunize." She invited residents to stop in at Public Health in both Escanaba and Menominee for available information and encouraged residents to "BEE WISE--IMMUNIZE."

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