April 18, 2011

Mangano & Carney Recognize

National Infant Immunization Week – April 23-30, 2011

Uniondale, NY – In recognition of National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and the Nassau County Department of Health would like to remind 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 old or younger.

“Each year, over 15,000 babies are born in Nassau County who will need to be immunized against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases before age two,” said County Executive Mangano.  “I am proud to say that children in Nassau County have among the highest rates of immunization coverage in the country.”   Immunizations are a shared responsibility.  Families, healthcare providers and public health officials must work together in educating the public about the important role that immunizations provide in protecting communities against the spread of infectious diseases.

Parents are encouraged to talk to their healthcare provider to ensure that their child is

up-to-date on immunizations.  “Childhood vaccinations are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death,” said Nassau County Health Commissioner Maria Torroella Carney, M.D., F.A.C.P. “Immunizations are one of the most important ways parents can protect their children against serious diseases.” 

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.