FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2015

NATIONAL INFANT IMMUNIZATION WEEK (NIIW)
-Parents are encouraged to make sure infants are vaccinated-

ORLANDO – The Florida Department of Health in Orange and Seminole Counties are recognizing this week, April 18 – April 25, 2015, as National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) by encouraging parents to make sure their infant is up-to-date on immunizations to protect them from vaccine-preventable diseases. National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is an annual observance to promote the benefits of immunizations and to improve the health of children two years old or younger.

Scientists have found that routine childhood immunization in one birth cohort prevents about 20 million cases of disease and about 42,000 deaths. It also saves about $13.5 billion in direct costs.

“Following the childhood immunization schedule, children will be protected against 14 vaccine preventable diseases. Parents and grandparents should remember to take their children to their primary care doctor for their scheduled vaccines.” said Dr. Swannie Jett, health officer for the Department of Health in Seminole County.

Health departments across Central Florida continue to work with private doctors and community health centers to ensure patients seek services through a medical provider home, particularly patients who have private insurance or are enrolled in the Healthy Kids Program and Medikids which is provided by the Florida KidCare program.

“Immunizations can provide children a healthy start in life. Families, healthcare professionals, and public health officials all share the responsibility to help protect the children and the entire community through immunizations,” said Lesli Ahonkhai, assistant director of the Department of Health in Orange County.

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County provides immunizations Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 2:00pm at its Central Office located at 832 West Central Boulevard. Parents are urged to arrive early to obtain a walk-in ticket as services are provided on a first come, first served, walk-in basis. Please check the health department website for any change in the schedule at https://orange.floridahealth.gov/ .

In Seminole County, immunizations are provided by appointment at the health department’s Sanford facility located at 400 West Airport Boulevard, Sanford, Florida, 32773. Hours of operation in Sanford are Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm except for the 2nd Thursday of each month when hours are 8am to 12pm.

Children must be accompanied by an adult family member or legal guardian to receive immunizations. For more information about NIIW, please visit the CDC resource site at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/overview.html.

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