Get Healthy: Immunization shots offered today in Carson City

This column appears in the Nevada Appeal weekly. It addresses topics related to the health of our community.

April 20-25 is National Infant Immunization Week, and Carson City Health and Human Services is proud to partner with Immunize Nevada to promote vaccination for kids in our community. Ensuring your children receive their childhood immunizations is an important part of protecting their health, as well as the health of others. Being immunized according to the newborn-to-2-year-old vaccination schedule can help prevent 14 different illnesses and ensure vaccine-preventable diseases are not spread to others who may not be able to receive vaccinations.

For children born between 1994 and 2013, vaccines will prevent 322 million illnesses, 21 million hospitalizations and 732,000 deaths. Roni Galas, Clinic Manager at Carson City Health and Human Services, believes vaccines are a critical part of protecting the public’s health. “We all need to work together to protect our community from vaccine preventable diseases,” she said.

Disease rates have decreased due to successful vaccination programs, however, parents and healthcare providers must remain diligent. If vaccination rates decrease, it’s likely many of the diseases that we no longer consider a threat, like measles and whooping cough, could return.

In celebration of National Infant Immunization Week, Carson City Health and Human Services will be offering a special immunization day and baby expo at its 900 E. Long Street location today from 9 a.m. to noon. This is a great opportunity for children aged 2 months to 6 years to get children caught up on all recommended vaccinations.

For vaccinations, Carson City Health and Human Services’ clinic accepts most insurance, Medicaid, and Nevada Check-Up. A sliding fee scale is available for those without insurance. In order to participate, parents are asked to bring your child’s immunization card with you to the health department.

In addition to vaccinations, agency partners from WIC will be there with information about child nutrition, car seat safety checks will be available, and other vendors will be present to help with questions about insurance and Medicaid enrollment. “We really want to provide parents with an opportunity to have their children’s health needs met,” said Galas. “We realize not everyone can get to the clinic during the work week, so we are excited to offer this weekend event.”

For more information about Health Department services, check out our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cchhs.