We all need to focus on staying safe and as healthy as possible during this pandemic — if for no other reason, to avoid adding stress to our already overburdened healthcare system. And while we must avoid the emergency room if we can, vaccines are as important as ever. This is especially true for our children.
One of the best ways we can protect our children is through ensuring they’re vaccinated on time, every time. Every dose of every vaccine is essential to prevent 14 serious and potentially deadly diseases before the age of 2.
Today’s childhood vaccines protect against serious diseases, including polio, whooping cough (pertussis), measles, mumps and rubella. Listed below are just a few examples of these diseases and how their vaccines have changed the course of history.
While there isn’t currently a vaccine against COVID-19, the good news is that vaccines can protect our children from 14 other serious and potentially deadly diseases. But they only work if they’re administered on time, every time.
If you’re not sure if your child is current on their vaccines, you can access their immunization record for free at https://izrecord.nv.gov. Or you can call your pediatrician or local health clinic and ask. This is also a good time for them to tell you what additional safety measures they’re taking to ensure you and your family are protected when you visit.
If you don’t have insurance or if your insurance does not cover vaccines for your child, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program may be able to help. This program helps families of eligible children who might not otherwise have access to vaccines. To find out if your child qualifies, visit the VFC website (www.vfcnevada.org/), or ask your healthcare provider.
To celebrate the public health achievements of vaccines and the importance of immunizations throughout our lives, Immunize Nevada is joining with partners nationwide in recognizing April 25 – May 2 as National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW). Because every child should have a shot at a healthy life — in Nevada, the U.S. and worldwide.
If you have questions about vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases, please visit www.immunizenevada.org or follow us on social media.
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