One of the simplest, yet most effective, things we can do in that regard is to make sure every infant and young child is properly immunized against infectious disease. The card, donated by American Greetings Corporation, features a personal note from the Sundquists and includes important information about vaccinations. The American Greetings card program enhances existing state immunization awareness programs such as Shots for Tots, sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. The Shots for Tots program provides new mothers with various information on immunizations, development stages, nutritions and safety information.
Immunizations are one of the greatest gifts a parent can give a child.
Educating parents on the importance of childhood immunizations is an important step to increasing the immunization rate in Tennessee. By the year 2000, the immunization initiative's goal is to have at least 90 percent of all children immunized by their second birthday, Sundquist said. The governor and first lady expressed their appreciation to American Greetings and BlueCross BlueShield for their partnership in the initiative. The Sundquists announced the immunization initiative in Chattanooga, Knoxville and Blountville today.