OCR Text |
Show Immunization goals near fulfillment The goal of immunizing 90 percent of the nations children against , seven dangerous diseases by autumn of 1979 is a step closer to fulfillment, according to the findings released by the Center of Disease ControKCDOof the Department Depart-ment of Health, Education, and Welfare. The favorable trend that began in the last quarter of 1977 carried over into 1978, with substantial gains in the percentages of vaccinated children and a corresponding decline in the incidence in-cidence of disease. The national incidence in-cidence of measles in 1978, for example, dropped nearly 54 percent below the previous year's level, the CDC reported. ( The improvement follows in the wake of a nationwide campaign, called the ' , Immunization Initiative, which is spearheaded by the CDC and supported sup-ported by many medical associations, voluntary organizations, and civic groups. As a result of the campaign, parents are being reminded of the importance of vaccination and urged to make sure their children are fully protected. Commenting on the details of the program, Michael Harrison, Health Educator, said that children should be immunized against seven diseases: Polio, measles, mumps, rubella, diptheria, pertussis, and tetanus. All of the diseases can be easily prevented, and all carry with them the risk of complications that can lead to death or permanent disability. Vaccination Vac-cination should begin early in life, following a schedule that is available through physicians or the Uintah Basin District Health Department. Prompt vaccinations assures that the child is not unnecessarily susceptible to - disease during those first, vulnerable " years of life. Mr. Harrison emphasized, however, that older children should not be over looked, citing the finding in recent years disease outbreaks have in some cases hit hardest among junior high and high school youth. Vaccination is a simple way to save a lot of grief. Parents check your records to make sure that all of your children are fully vaccinated. Those who have questions or who have a child who has missed out on one or more of the vaccinations should consult their doctor or health department without further delay. |