Welcome to Skagit County

April 10, 2008

Health Department Observes National Infant Immunization Week

In observance of National Infant Immunization Week from April 19-26, Skagit County Public Health Department’s Immunization Team encourages parents and grandparents to talk to their child’s doctor to make sure that the child is up-to-date on immunizations. Babies in the United States currently need to be immunized against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases before the age of two.

“Vaccination plays a critical role in protecting children from diseases, many of which can have long-term consequences,” says Amie Tidrington, RN, of Skagit County Public Health Department. “Immunizations are extremely safe and one of the most important ways parents can protect their children.”

Vaccines not only help protect the vaccinated individual but also help protect entire communities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, because of the success of vaccines in the United States, parents are often unaware that their children are at risk for serious and life-threatening diseases. Many of the diseases prevented by vaccination still exist and continued vaccination is necessary to protect everyone from potential outbreaks.

Skagit County Public Health Department Immunization Clinic is open five days a week from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is located at 700 South Second Street in downtown Mount Vernon on the third floor. No appointment is necessary; cost for the immunizations is based on income. Schedules of required immunizations are available at local Skagit libraries during the week of April 19-26 and year-round from the Immunization Clinic.

For more information about vaccinations, please call the Skagit County’s Immunization Clinic at (360) 336-9477.