To mark National Infant Immunization Week, April 23-29, the New York City Health Department today urged parents to ensure that their young children are immunized against serious, vaccine preventable diseases. Because vaccines can prevent serious diseases, childhood immunizations continue to be a top public health priority. I urge all eligible New Yorkers to take advantage of the opportunity to obtain free immunizations for their children. By ensuring that their children are vaccinated, parents protect their children and give them a healthy start in life.
Vaccines can grant life-long immunity to a host of debilitating and potentially fatal diseases.
A full schedule of vaccinations, coupled with regular visits to a doctor or clinic, safeguards children from the dangers of serious, preventable diseases such as polio, measles, diphtheria, tetanus, chickenpox, pneumococcal disease, and others. The Health Department is currently sponsoring health fairs throughout the City where trained public educators distribute advice and information to parents about vaccine preventable diseases, vaccine schedules, how to obtain a child immunization card, as well as, direct those in need to a Health Department immunization clinic. Linking children with primary care providers is the best way to guarantee that children receive the vaccinations they need. Operators provide general information about vaccines, and callers can obtain referrals for immunizations and primary healthcare. Vaccines for Children, a federally-funded program which makes free vaccines available to physicians for children under 19 years of age who are uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in medicaid.