Health Secretary Urges All Pennsylvanians to Get Fully Immunized

August is National Immunization Awareness Month

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Health Everette James today urged all Pennsylvanians to ensure they are fully immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases, noting that August is National Immunization Awareness Month.

"While routine use of vaccines over the years has resulted in a dramatic reduction in vaccine-preventable disease in the U.S., we are still experiencing far too many outbreaks," said James. "The current whooping cough epidemic in California is a perfect example of the dangers of vaccine-preventable diseases and illnesses, and how quickly they spread among individuals who are not immunized."

While overall immunization levels in the U.S. are up, levels in many parts of the nation remain dangerously low. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2008 National Immunization Survey, 76 percent of American children were fully immunized by 35 months of age, with some areas of the country showing levels as low as 59 percent. In Pennsylvania, the level was 78 percent.

Immunizations are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. As parents are enrolling their children in school, students are entering college, and healthcare workers are preparing for the upcoming flu season, August is an ideal time to catch up on immunizations.

Vaccines not only prevent disease in people who receive them but also protect those who come in contact with unvaccinated individuals, including those who are too young to be vaccinated or individuals who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

"Ensuring you and your family are up-to-date on immunizations is critical to protecting yourselves, your loved ones and your communities from disease," James added.

To better educate adults, the Department of Health recently launched the "Immunizations across the Lifespan" campaign, which included billboards, radio spots, posters and educational outreach activities.  

National Immunization Awareness Month is an annual observance to increase awareness about immunizations and encourage all age groups to learn more about recommended vaccines. To boost awareness in Pennsylvania, regional immunization coalitions will join to host a number of events at minor and major league baseball games throughout August and early September.

For more information on immunizations, call 1-877-PA-HEALTH or visit www.vaccinesforlife.com or www.immunizepa.org.

Media Contact:  Brandi Hunter-Davenport or Holli Senior, 717-787-1783.

Editor's Note: Below is a listing of confirmed immunization events taking place statewide in August and September. Immunization professionals will be present at each event to educate the public about the importance of immunizations throughout their lifespan.

Berks County:  Aug. 8 – 6:05 p.m. Redner's Kids Club & Immunization Night with the Reading Phillies at FirstEnergy Stadium, 1900 Centre Ave./Route 61 South in Reading. The event is sponsored by Redner's Market and the Berks County Immunization Coalition.

Lehigh County:  Aug. 21 – 6:35 p.m. "Immunization Awareness Night" with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs at Coca-Cola Park, 1050 IronPigs Way in Allentown. The event is sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Immunization Coalition.

Philadelphia County:  Aug. 25 – 7:05 p.m. Adult immunization awareness night with the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizen's Bank Park in Philadelphia. The event is sponsored by the Delaware County Immunization Coalition, Montgomery County Immunization Coalition, Chester County Immunization Coalition, Philadelphia Immunization Coalition, Bucks County Immunization Coalition, Pennsylvania Statewide Immunization Coalition and the M.A.R.T.I.N. (May All Receive Their Immunization Now) Flu Foundation.

Erie County:  Aug. 30 – 7:05 p.m. "Here is the Pitch…Immunize" with the Erie Seawolves at Jerry Uht Park, 110 E. 10th St. in Erie. The event is sponsored by the Immunization Coalition of Erie County and the Erie County Department of Health.

York County:  Sept. 11 – 6:30 p.m. "Immunization Nite" with the York Revolutions at Sovereign Bank Stadium, 5 Brooks Robinson Way in York. The event is sponsored by the York-Adams County Immunization Coalition.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health