The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is celebrating National Infant Immunization Week from April 16 – 23.

Each year, children become ill from diseases that can be prevented by basic childhood immunizations.

“A healthy start in life begins with vaccines,” said Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, MD, MPH, Interim Health Officer for Los Angeles County. “Starting and staying on schedule with recommended vaccines protects children from diseases, like measles and pertussis, which can spread easily and cause serious health problems. Check with your health care provider to see if your child is up-to-date with all immunizations and, if not, develop a plan to get caught up with any missing doses.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommended immunization schedule protects children against 14 diseases before they turn two years of age. Before leaving the hospital after birth, all babies should get a hepatitis B vaccine to prevent hepatitis and liver cancer. Additional vaccines at 2, 4, 6, 12, 15, and 18 months of age are recommended to prevent diseases including the measles, chickenpox and more.

“Parents can also protect their children against vaccine-preventable diseases before they are even born by getting vaccinated themselves,” said Dr. Gunzenhauser. “During pregnancy moms can get the Tdap vaccine to protect newborns against pertussis. This is especially important as half of babies who develop pertussis become seriously ill and will need to be hospitalized.”

Due to a change in California law, parents can no longer submit Personal Beliefs Exemptions for childcare or school immunization requirements. Under most health insurance plans, vaccines are covered at no-cost to the patient. However, those without a healthcare provider or insurance can get information and referrals to low or no-cost vaccines by calling 2-1-1 LA County or visiting www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip.

For more information, visit:
· www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip
· www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/index.html
· www.shotsforschool.org

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises nearly 4,000 employees and has an annual budget exceeding $900 million. To learn more about the LA County Department of Public Health and the work they do, visit PublicHealth.LACounty.gov, and follow Public Health on social media at twitter.com/LAPublicHealth, facebook.com/LAPublicHealth, and youtube.com/LAPublicHealth.