Protect your children from vaccine-preventable illness

SPOKANE, Wash. – To the dismay of many area children, the end of summer break is right around the corner, which means it is almost time to get ready for school. And with outbreaks of whooping cough, influenza, and chickenpox in our state in the last few years, and a large measles outbreak just across the border in Canada, at the top of every parent's checklist should be ensuring their children are fully immunized.

Childhood vaccination is the most effective way to protect children against serious, preventable illnesses - some of which have no cure or treatment. Parents should use the next several weeks to ensure their kids have all the immunizations they need.

"Buying new shoes, hunting down school supplies-important steps to prepare for the new school year-but getting your kids immunized should be considered first and foremost on your list," said Dr. Joel McCullough, health officer for the Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD). "Be sure your child's immunizations are up-to-date - it protects them, their classmates, their families and our community."

Parents can schedule their kids' immunizations with the Spokane Regional Health District by calling the Public Health Clinic at (509) 324-1600. SRHD also offers these FREE walk-in school immunization clinics:

• 8/21/2010 – Arcadia Elementary, Deer Park, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
• 8/24/2010 – Arlington Elementary, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 
• 8/25/2010 – Madison Elementary, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
• 8/26/2010 – Farwell Elementary, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 
• 8/31/2010 – Shiloh Hills Elementary, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 
• 9/21/2010 – Farwell Elementary, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 
• 9/23/2010 – East Valley Middle School, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 
• 9/30/2010 – Shiloh Hills Elementary, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 
• 10/06/2010 – Centennial Middle School, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 
• 10/07/2010 – Arthur Ness Elementary, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

For more information about childhood immunizations or SRHD free clinics, please visit www.protectyours.org.

SRHD's website www.srhd.org offers comprehensive, updated information on public health, as well as links to other reliable information sources.