Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Susan Shepardson, Program Manager, 
401-222-4603 (susans@doh.state.ri.us)
Rhode Island Department of Health
Date: April 16, 2002

NATIONAL INFANT IMMUNIZATION WEEK (NIIW), APRIL 14 - 20, 2002
RI HEALTH Department Celebrates Near Universal Protection of Children

The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) celebrates National Infant Immunization Week. Now in its ninth year, National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), April 14 - 20, 2002, focuses attention on the tremendous health benefits of childhood immunizations.

Immunization is one of the most effective ways of protecting against disease. NIIW focuses attention on Rhode Island’s success at achieving near-universal immunization levels among children. It celebrates the partnerships among parents, caregivers, health care providers, and others that make this possible. NIIW reminds us all that it requires constant effort to protect children against vaccine-preventable diseases and give them a healthy start to life.

"Immunization is one of our most cost effective tools for preventing disease and death," said Dr. Patricia A. Nolan, MD, MPH, Director of Health. "It not only protects the individual, but also the entire community from infectious diseases. Immunization, along with clean water, clean food and good sanitation, account for much of the 30 years of life expectancy gained over the last one hundred years. Few other inventions can compare with the impact of immunizations on the course of human history."

Rhode Island’s 2002 campaign activities include distribution of educational brochures, coloring books and crayons to children and their parents in partnership with the YMCAs throughout the state.

On April 18^th, the Department of Health, in partnership with the Rhode Island Childhood Immunization Action Coalition, will host the Second Annual "Medical Home" Breakfast. This event celebrates Rhode Island’s excellent record on immunization and recognizes immunization rates of 95% and 90% among patients in private pediatric practices and Community Health Centers.

Immunization coverage among children in the United States is higher today than ever before for most vaccines. 90 percent or more of infants receive the most critical doses of most recommended vaccines by age two. This achievement translates into record or near record low levels of vaccine-preventable diseases. Illness from most vaccine-preventable childhood diseases experienced reductions of 95 percent or more.

For more information on Rhode Island’s immunization program contact Susan Shepardson at 401-222-4603 or susans@doh.state.ri.us.