Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little, Liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health, stated, “There are many reasons to vaccinate your children. National Immunization Awareness Month, during August, focuses on different age groups each week. The first week of August focuses on babies and young children; getting these children off to a healthy start.” He continued, “National Immunization Awareness Month is a reminder that we all need vaccines right from the start and throughout our lives. Immunization gives parents the safe, proven power to protect their children from 14 serious and sometimes deadly diseases before they turn 2 years old.”

“Children who don’t receive recommended vaccines are at risk of getting the disease or illness, and of having a severe case,” said Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department Public Health Coordinator. “Every dose of every vaccine is important to protect your child and others in the community from infectious diseases. Talk to your doctor or other health care professional to make sure your child is up to date on all the vaccines he or she needs.”

Regenye added, “Today’s childhood vaccines protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, including polio, measles, whooping cough and chicken pox. There are many important reasons to make sure your child is vaccinated:
• Immunizations can protect your child from 14 serious diseases.
• Vaccination is very safe and effective.
• Immunizations can protect others you care about. Immunization can save your family time and money.
• Immunization protects future generations.

When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk and can spread diseases to others in their family and community – including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer and other health conditions.

Parents can find out more about the recommended immunization schedule at the Ocean County Health Department website at www.ochd.org.