Insurance issues often preclude children from being vaccinated against serious illnesses like measles and whooping cough. The Operation Immunize goal is to have 90 percent of all Kansas children fully vaccinated by age two. Kansas First Lady Linda Graves, spokesperson for Operation Immunize, explained those who don't have their children properly immunized because of insurance limitations fall into several groups. In many cases, unfortunately, parents simply have no health insurance. Operation Immunize offers free vaccinations to children 35 months of age and younger.
Immunizations are among the most vital and cost-effective medical interventions available.
State officials recently announced Operation Immunize will take place April 19-26 at many local health departments and clinics throughout Kansas. Operation Immunize began in 1992 when Kansas Department of Health and Environment officials called together physicians, local public health officials, legislators and other government leaders, and representatives of the private sector to begin planning a new statewide immunization effort.