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Child Immunizations a Priority in New Mexico

April 16 through 23 is National Infant Immunization Week, and the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDoH) is joining other local and state health departments, national immunization partners, health care professionals, community leaders from across the United States, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to highlight the positive impact of vaccination on the lives of infants and children.

Since 1994, the annual observance week has played a role in improving the health of children two years old or younger. Now, in its 22nd year, National Infant Immunization Week has milestones to celebrate, and mountains still to climb. 

Thanks to immunization, we can now protect infants and children from 14 vaccine-preventable diseases before age two, and the National Immunization Survey consistently shows childhood immunization rates for vaccines routinely recommended for children remain at or near record levels.

New Mexico has reason to be proud: Childhood vaccination coverage in New Mexico reached an all-time high in 2014.  New Mexico now ranks 10th best in the country among the 50 states for childhood vaccination coverage for 19 to 35 month olds. New Mexico’s combination childhood vaccine rate for 11 diseases was 75.9% percent in 2014, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

National Infant Immunization Week is also a time where the New Mexico Department of Health reaches out to all parents and guardians to assure them infant vaccines are safe.

Many parents worry about the possible side effects of vaccinating their child and if their child really needs all those shots. Misinformation abounds on the Internet, making it hard to find a reliable source of information.

The truth is today in 2016, the CDC reports the United States has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in its history. Millions of children are safely vaccinated each year. The most common side effects are typically very mild and go away in a few days, such as pain or swelling at the area of the skin where the shot is given.

Serious side effects following vaccination, such as severe allergic reaction, are very rare and doctors and clinic staff are trained to deal with them. The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children.

Dona Ana County has 50 Vaccines for Children Program providers. Parents should talk to their child's doctor to make sure their children are up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations.

The Department of Health’s Las Cruces Central Public Health Office at 1170 N. SolanoDriveprovide full-time immunization services for children and adults. Immunizations services are available for walk-in customers from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. and by appointment only from 1:15 to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Immunization services are provided at no cost for children under 18 fee under the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, but families are still encouraged to Please bring insurance, Medicaid, and/or Medicare cards. Adult immunization services are only for those uninsured.

Public Health Offices across the state also provide vaccinations for children who are uninsured, or otherwise unable to get vaccinated. To find a public health office in your area, visithttp://nmhealth.org/location/public/