Immunization Program

Thank you for your interest in finding out more information about immunizations. As parents, you are asked to make many important decisions concerning your children. Some of the most difficult decisions can be in regard to their health care and, specifically, immunizations. Everybody wants to make the right choices and do what is best for their children. As a community, there is also a need to protect the public's health. Public Health recommends that you have your child immunized, but ultimately the decision is yours.

Public Health provides this information in response to requests by parents, health care professionals, school nurses, child care providers and others to:

• provide more information about immunizations and vaccine-preventable diseases, much in the same way you look for information on car seats, bicycle helmets, and age-appropriate toys
• balance the benefits and risks of immunization and assist you in making an informed decision
• clarify inaccuracies or misinformation about immunizations and vaccine-preventable diseases

	H1N1 influenza (swine flu) H1N1 influenza, also known as "swine flu," is a newly identified virus that can spread from people who are infected to others through coughs and sneezes. When people cough or sneeze, they spread germs through the air or onto surfaces that other people may touch. H1N1 influenza is not transmitted from pigs to humans or from eating pork products.
	Back to School Immunizations - 2009-2010
	Immunization Streaming Video (~6.5 min.) You will need RealPlayer ® - Basic installed on your computer in order to view the streaming video through your Internet browser. Install the free version of the Real Player then click on the link above to watch the video.
	Public Health immunization clinic locations and hours Primary vaccinations for infants, children, and adults; vaccinations for occupational health risk; post-exposure vaccinations and diagnostic testing as part of disease-control efforts; vaccinations and counseling for international travelers and TB skin testing.
	Child and adult immunizations Public Health clinics provide routine immunizations for children 6 weeks through 18 years of age through the public-funded "Vaccines For Children" program. Public Health clinics also provide immunizations for adults age 19 and over (age 20 and over for hepatitis B.)
	Vaccine safety Everybody wants to make the right choices and do what is best for their children. As a community, there is also a need to protect the public's health. Public Health recommends that you have your child immunized, but ultimately the decision is yours.
	Travel immunizations Public Health - Seattle & King County offers timely information about health-related risks while traveling abroad. Travel services are available by appointment only at Downtown and Auburn Public Health Centers.
	Occupational immunizations Employees should ensure they are properly immunized against work environment hazards.
	Health care provider information In Washington State, the Vaccines For Children (VFC) Program uses federal and state funds to make routine childhood vaccines available to health care providers at no charge.
	Hot topics This section links to the latest vaccine news.