April 17, 2012

Mangano & Eisenstein Promote the Importance of Immunizations During

National Infant Immunization Week – April 21 – 28, 2012

Mineola, NY – In recognition of National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein are reminding parents, caregivers and healthcare providers of the critical role that vaccinations provide in safeguarding our children.  NIIW is an annual observance to promote the benefits of immunizations and to improve the health of children two years of old and younger.

“Each year over 15,000 babies are born in Nassau County who will need to be vaccinated,” said County Executive Mangano.    National Infant Immunization Week is an excellent opportunity to remind parents of the benefits of vaccinating their children and thereby giving them a healthy start in life.”

“Vaccines have drastically reduced death and disability to children caused by preventable diseases,” said County Health Commissioner Lawrence Eisenstein, M.D.  “Through immunizations, we can protect infants and children from 14 vaccine-preventable diseases before age two.” 

Although vaccines have significantly reduced vaccine-preventable diseases, they are still circulating in many parts of the world and the United States can see a return of these diseases if we don’t maintain high vaccination coverage levels. Families are encouraged to check with their healthcare providers to ensure that their children are up-to-date on their immunizations, especially if their plans include international travel.

Additional information and vaccination schedules may be obtained by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s web site at www.cdc.gov/vaccines.  Nassau County residents may also call the Nassau County Department of Health Immunization Hotline at 516.227.9416.

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