April 23-30 is National Infant Immunization Week!
There are now 21 cases of measles in Minnesota, 8 of whom were eligible for vaccination but had not received the MMR vaccine, 7 were too young to be vaccinated and had been exposed to the illness, one was vaccinated too early and one had received vaccination. The remaining four had unknown vaccination status. This brings to light one of the benefits of vaccination: if everyone is vaccinated on time, the very young would see their risk of contracting one of the vaccine preventable illnesses, diminish considerably. Many of the children who contracted measles were hospitalized due to serious disease.
During National Infant Immunization Week health care providers and professionals at the department of health are available to answer your questions and offer advice regarding safety and efficacy of infant immunization. Call the clinic today!
Gretchen A. Moen, RN MS CPNP
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner