The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is urging parents to keep their children's vaccinations up to date, according to a press release.
The agency said that as part of a joint nationwide project that recognized August as National Immunization Awareness month, it is reminding parents that a current vaccination schedule keeps children protected from 14 diseases they could contract before they reach 2 years old, including chickenpox, measles, mumps and whooping cough.
Vaccinations not only keep children protected themselves, but also help to check the spread of diseases.
“Children who don’t receive recommended vaccines risk getting the disease or illness and of having a more severe case,” Pam Morzos, MCDH director of nursing, said in the news release. “Each dose of every vaccine is important to protect your child and others in the community from infectious diseases.”
Recommended schedules for immunization are available online at the MCDH and Centers for Disease Control websites. Parents also can talk to their health-care providers.
Options for getting vaccinations without insurance, through the Medicaid/All Kids cards or paying on sliding-scale discounts, are available as well. Call the MCDH at 815-334-4500 for more information, or visit an MCDH office at 2200 N. Seminary Ave., building B in Woodstock or 100 N. Virginia St. in Crystal Lake.
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