Health department highlights infant immunizations

Each year, thousands of children become ill from diseases that could have been prevented by basic childhood immunizations, according to the McHenry County Department of Health.

Through Saturday, McHenry County Department of Health will observe National Infant Immunization Week, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention initiative designed to highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Infants are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases, which is why the CDC reports it is critical to protect them through immunization.

From birth to 15 months of age, infant immunizations are recommended for Hepatitis A & B, polio, pneumococcal, rotavirus, Hib, chickenpox, diphtheria/ tetanus/pertussis (combined), as well as measles, mumps and rubella (combined).

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call MCDH (815) 334-4500 or visit Web site www.mcdh.info.