In recognition of National Infant Immunization Week, (April 25, 2004 through May 1, 2004), the Nassau County Department of Health announces that, for the first time, the percent of two-year- old children in Nassau County immunized with diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and haemophilus influenza (meningitis) has reached the New York State goal of 90%. This rate has increased significantly from a rate of 65% in 1996.

Many Nassau County physicians have participated in the Health Department's program to assess the immunization levels of the county's two-year-old children. The physicians have received Certificates of Recognition and Excellence from both the New York State and Nassau County Commissioners of Health for their role in the statewide Provider Based Immunization Initiative.

The current American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Practice and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations are that all children, by age two years, should have the following immunizations: 4 doses of DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis); 3 doses of polio, 1 dose of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), 3 doses of hepatitis B, 3 doses of haemophilus influenza (meningitis), 1 dose of varicella (chicken pox), 4 doses of pneumococcal vaccine and an annual influenza vaccine.

In is extremely important to protect the health of our children by immunizing them against these vaccine preventable diseases. These diseases can spread rapidly among children who are not immunized and can have severe consequences to the very young as well as to adults who are not protected.. Families are encouraged to check with their doctors to make sure every child's immunizations are up to date. All children are required by New York State law to have certain immunizations before they can start nursery school, preschool programs, day care or kindergarten.

For information about immunizations, call the Nassau County Department of Health's Immunization Program at 571-1680.