Benefits of immunizations against serious diseases touted in new campaign

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - A new education campaign launched today by Public Health - Seattle & King County informs families about vaccine-preventable diseases and ways to access low-cost childhood immunizations. Immunization is one of the most important ways to protect children and families from serious diseases.

"Even with a strong system to detect and control diseases, disease outbreaks are a fact of life in our community. Immunizations are a safe and effective way to protect against thirteen childhood diseases," said Dorothy Teeter, Interim Director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County.

For example, last year in King County over 300 people were diagnosed with pertussis, also known as whooping cough.  More than half of the cases were in children under the age of six.  Babies are the most vulnerable and the most likely to be hospitalized.

Currently, 81% of two-year-old children in King County have received the basic immunization series. The National Healthy People 2010 goal is a 90% immunization rate for two-year-old children. Last year Public Health - Seattle & King County was recognized with two awards from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for achieving high rates of child immunization.

Despite recent improvements, Public Health is concerned with trends in school exemption rates. From 1999-2000 to 2004-2005 there was an increase from 2.9% to 4.5% in parents claiming exemption from at least one immunization for their child. In Washington State, parents or legal guardians have the right to choose not to immunize their children, based on medical, religious or philosophical reasons.

In King County, 300 private and public clinics offer low-cost childhood immunizations through the Vaccines for Children Program. People should contact their doctor, nurse, clinic or Public Health center for more information.

To view the campaign materials, visit: www.kingcounty.gov/health/immunization. The campaign includes newspaper ads and radio PSAs and focuses on diverse communities, including African American, Asian American/Pacific Islander, and Latino populations. The campaign also features a bilingual English-Spanish brochure as well as English and Spanish posters.  Parents who have concerns about immunizations or vaccine safety are encouraged to call the Public Health Immunization Program at 206-296-4774.

For in-depth information on childhood, adult and travel immunizations, and a list of Public Health Centers in King County that provide immunizations, please visit: www.kingcounty.gov/health/immunization

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