HEALTH CARE
Children
Immunized by the Age Two
The
care parents give children is a gift of wellness
and social responsibility. Immunization against
diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP), measles,
mumps, rubella (MMR), haemophilus B influenza
(Hib), polio (OPV) and hepatitis B (Hep B)
effectively reduces health risks for children.
Child
immunization rates have increased significantly
since 1994 within the Yampa Valley. A Decade
of the Child goal is to achieve a 90% immunization
rate for two-year olds by the year 2000. In
1996, the children immunization rates exceeded
the goal in five of six categories: DTP-3
(99%), Hib-3 (99%), OPV-3 (99%), MMR (97%),
and DTP-4 (94%).
Source:
Colorado Department of Public Health
and Environment Immunization Program
The
success of child immunization can be directly
attributed to programs sponsored by the Northwest
Colorado Visiting Nurses Association (NWCVNA),
which has offices in Craig, Hayden, Oak Creek
and Steamboat Springs. NWCVNA uses a computerized
recall system, coordinates with child care
centers and actively publicizes immunization
services. Children immunizations are also
subsidized by a federal program, Vaccine for
Children. One very successful annual event
is Supershot Saturday, with hundreds of children
throughout the Yampa Valley receiving free
immunizations.
"The health
of the members of a community are a reflection
of the overall social health of the community.
Our community will promote the physical
and mental well being of its members."
Healthy
Communities Initiative
