Although Oklahoma has significantly improved its vaccination rate for infants and children, state health officials want to remind parents to protect their children from disease.
In the first 24 months of life, children need about 80 percent of their vaccinations to protect them from diseases, disabilities and death.
Each year, new and improved vaccines and ways to combine them are developed.
During National Infant Immunization Week, which is being observed this week, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reminds parents and caregivers to vaccinate their children and keep their vaccination records up-to-date.
Families, health care providers and public health officials must work together to ensure that all children are fully immunized by remembering that:
• Vaccines are available for all children including those who do not have health insurance.
Parents and caregivers can call toll-free at (800) 232-4636 to locate a facility that offers children’s immunizations, or call the county health department in their area.
• Infants are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases and need to be vaccinated on time at 2,4, 6 and 12 months of age to have the best protection.
• Parents should keep an immunization record for their children, take it with them every time they take their child to the doctor or clinic and ask their doctor or health care provider whether their child is up-to-date on his or her immunizations.
Oklahoma day care centers require that children be current on nearly all recommended vaccines.
• Health care providers should check the immunization status of all the children they see to remind parents of the importance of vaccination to staying healthy.
