Press Release

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Monday, April 26, 2010

As part of National Infant Immunization Week and Toddler Immunization Month, Contra Costa health officials are encouraging parents to have their children vaccinated against serious diseases that can still be found in our communities.

Contra Costa Health Services has produced new episodes of "Get Ready, Get Healthy" and "Vida Sana en Vivo." The new episodes debut during National Infant Immunization Week, which starts today, and runs all of Toddler Immunization Month, in May. The 30-minute talk shows that air on Contra Costa Television discuss childhood immunizations, vaccine-preventable disease and vaccine safety, a main reason parents choose not to vaccinate.

"There's never been any credible evidence that vaccines or any vaccine ingredient causes autism," said Erika Jenssen, Immunization Coordinator for the CCHS' Immunization Program. "That theory has been discredited over and over. It's time for all of us to understand and become educated about the fact that vaccines are safe, effective and continue to be the best way to protect from disease."

Jenssen said vaccines protect from diseases like whooping cough, which is on the rise according to the California Department of Public Health.

"Just last month a child seen at one of our facilities had to be hospitalized with whooping cough. It's a heart-wrenching sound that no parent wants to hear coming from their child," Jenssen said.

The shows include videos of clinical examples of whooping cough and a public service announcement of Contra Costa residents and CCHS staff sharing the reasons they vaccinate.

"Infants and toddlers are especially at high risk of becoming seriously ill from vaccine preventable diseases. By not immunizing, parents leave their children susceptible to unnecessary health risks and can expect time loss at work and school," Jenssen said.

The episodes include interviews with a family physician and community educators. "Get Ready, Get Healthy" airs Mondays at 7:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. "Vida Sana en Vivo", a Spanish language show, airs Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. and Fridays at 5 p.m. More information on immunizations including the hours and locations of Contra Costa Public Health immunization clinic schedules is available online at www.cchealth.org.

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