Texas Children's Experts Say It's Wise to Immunize

Diseases such as polio, measles and diphtheria still pose serious threats to children's health. Parents who are not aware of this fact may not realize the importance of having their children immunized.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the immunization rate for children in Houston is only 66 percent. By the year 2000, it is the goal of the state of Texas to immunize 90 percent of children by the time they are 2 years old.

Children should receive 80 percent of their vaccinations in the first two years of life. They should receive most shots between 2 and 18 months of age and then at 4 to 6 or 11 to 12 years of age. In addition, effective Aug. 1, 2000, Texas has mandated that children must receive the chicken pox vaccine on or after their first birthday.

An Immunization Help Line established by Texas Children's Hospital is in place for parents and caregivers. It offers information in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

The Help Line provides information on special immunization events in Houston and Harris County and the location of clinics, as well as details about documentation needed to receive immunizations. Parents can enter their child's birth date and get information about the number and type of immunizations their child should have received to date. The Texas Children's Hospital Immunization Help Line number is 713-770-2061.

Children can be immunized at their primary care physicians' offices. Parents who do not have health care coverage or cannot afford to visit a doctor can get their child immunized free by contacting the state or local health department.

- From Texas Children's Hospital

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Courtesy of Texas Medical Center News

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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E-Mail: tmc-info@tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/health_briefs/08_15_99-immunize.html