<b>To celebrate the importance of immunizations for a healthy start and throughout our lives – and to make sure children are protected with all the vaccines they need – Pocahontas Memorial Hospital’s Rural Health Clinic is joining with other healthcare providers nationwide in recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month. </b> <b>National Immunization Awareness Month is a reminder that we all need vaccines right from the start and throughout our lives. The week of August 3 through 9 will focus specifically on babies from birth through age two. </b> <b>Immunization gives parents the safe, proven power to protect their children from 14 serious and sometimes deadly diseases before they turn two-years-old. </b> “<b>Children who don’t receive recommended vaccines are at risk of getting the disease or illness, and of having a severe case,” said Vicki Warner, RHC Practice Manager. “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.” </b> <b>Today’s childhood vaccines protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, including polio, measles, whooping cough and chickenpox. </b> <b>There are many important reasons to make sure your child is vaccinated: </b> • <b>Immunizations can protect your child from 14 serious diseases. </b> • <b>Vaccinations are safe and effective. </b> • <b>Immunizations can protect others you care about. </b> • <b>Immunizations can save your family time and money. </b> • <b>Immunizations protect future generations. </b> <b>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. </b> <b>Parents can find out more about the recommended immunization schedule at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pare nts/index.html</b> <b>The Rural Health Clinic offers a full family practice, including children’s care. If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss vaccinations and make sure your child is protected, please call us today at 304-799-6200.</b>
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