April 20, 2005

Galveston County Health District

The Galveston County Health District will join more than 500 communities throughout the United States and 35 countries in recognizing National Infant Immunization Week Monday, April 25 through Saturday, April 30.  While the focus of the campaign is on infants aged two years and younger, free immunizations will be provided to children up to 18 years old.

The purpose of this campaign is to educate parents, caregivers, providers, and communities on the importance of timely infant immunizations, particularly in the first 24 months of life, when children need more than 80 percent of their vaccinations to protect them from disease, disabilities, and death.  

“Currently there is no system to accurately assess immunization compliance for entire county populations.  However, a variety of studies done on specifics groups suggest rates in Galveston County meet or exceed state averages," said Dr. Dana Beckham, Health District epidemiologist.

The national goal for immunization compliance is 90 percent of children being adequately immunized.  Every study conducted in the county suggests there has been great improvement in local rates but there is still room for additional gains to meet the national goal.

In order to assist parents with remembering when children need an immunization the District is developing a reminder program.  

“While most children in the county receive immunizations in private clinics, for those that receive immunizations at the district, parents will receive a reminder when a new one is needed,” said June Gonzales, the health district’s immunization nurse manager.  “We also provide outreach and education on the importance of immunizations by distributing information at events such as health fairs and school programs.”

“Immunization protects children, families and communities. Children who are not immunized are not only at risk of contracting disease themselves, but they are also at risk of spreading disease to their family members and others in the community. It is extremely important that children get their vaccinations in the prescribed time frames," said Dr. Mark Guidry, CEO of the health district.

Participating locations include the Texas City Immunization Clinic at 2000 Texas Avenue, the Galveston Immunization Clinic at 4700 Broadway Street, the Dickinson Immunization Clinic at 905 Pine Drive and the La Marque Immunization Clinic at 1207 Oak Street. 

For immunization dates and times, call (409) 938-2211.

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Gulf Coast E-news is a publication of Guidry News Service, with offices at 1818 Church in Galveston, covering posted public meetings in Galveston County, Jefferson County and Harris County.  For additional information, or to order a free, one-week complimentary subscription to Gulf Coast E-news, email News@guidrynews.com.   Telephone (409) 763-6397 (763-NEWS)

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