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Vaccination Benefits Focus Of National Infant Immunization Week

By Florida Department of Health, Office of Communications

April 20, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2015

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

VACCINATION BENEFITS FOCUS OF NATIONAL INFANT IMMUNIZATION WEEK

TALLAHASSEE—April 18–25 marks the 2015 National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), and the Florida Department of Health is raising awareness for the continued need for childhood immunizations. This observance calls attention to the importance of safeguarding Florida's children through up-to-date immunizations.

"Keeping current with vaccination is necessary to protect all Florida residents and visitors," said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health John Armstrong. "Working together, we can eradicate vaccine-preventable diseases, like measles, entirely."

There are many benefits of vaccination including the following.

  • Immunizations can save your child's life.
  • Vaccination is safe and effective.
  • Immunization protects others you care about.
  • Immunizations can save your family time and money.
  • Immunization protects future generations.

The department works with county health departments and partners statewide to ensure all children receive the vaccinations needed to protect them from disease. Statewide, 93.3 percent of kindergarten students and 95.7 percent of seventh-graders were reported as receiving all immunizations required for school entry. It is important that your child is vaccinated in case of possible exposure in school settings or the community.

The department uses several tools to promote vaccinations for all residents including:

  • Florida SHOTS (State Health Online Tracking System) is a free, statewide, centralized online immunization registry that helps health care providers and schools keep track of immunization records to ensure children stay up-to-date. Learn more at https://www.flshots.com.
  • The Florida Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) provides vaccines to children 0 through 18 years of age who meet program eligibility at no cost to the parent/guardian. It supports the Immunization Section's commitment to vaccinate all children. Learn more about VFC.
  • You can also contact your local county health department to receive information on clinics offering flu shots. The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each fall.
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The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.floridahealth.gov.

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