On-time vaccinations help give babies a healthy start

The McHenry County Department of Health is joining with partners nationwide in recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month.

Keeping your child's vaccination schedule current helps parents protect their children from 14 serious and potentially life threatening diseases before age 2.

Today's childhood vaccines protect against serious diseases including mumps, measles, whooping cough, and chickenpox.

There are many important reasons to make sure your child is vaccinated.

When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk and can spread diseases to others in their family and community - including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer and other health conditions.

"Children who don't receive recommended vaccines risk getting the disease or illness and of having a more severe case," said Pam Morzos, director of nursing for the McHenry County Department of Health. "Each dose of every vaccine is important to protect your child and others in the community from infectious diseases."

To celebrate the importance of immunizations for a healthy start and throughout our lives - and to make sure children are protected with all the vaccines they need - National Immunization Awareness Month has focused on emphasizing the importance of on-time vaccinations for babies and young children.

Parents can find out more about the recommended immunization schedule at www.mcdh.info or www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents.

Talk to your health care provider if you're not certain your child's vaccines are up-to-date.

The McHenry County Department of Health offers vaccines to infants through adults with the Medicaid/All Kids cards, without insurance, or whose insurance doesn't cover specific vaccines.

The McHenry County Department of Health also offers vaccines to private pay clients with sliding scale discounts for those who qualify.

Call ahead for vaccine availability and discount qualifications.

Clinics are held at both the Woodstock office at 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Building B and at the Crystal Lake office, 100 N. Virginia St.

For clinic availability and appointments, call (815) 334-4500.