Members of the County’s Local Health Department joined the Hays County Commissioners Court Tuesday to encourage parents to immunize their children, especially infants. Supporting Infant Immunization Week with a proclamation are left to right County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark Jones, Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe, Josie Gonzalez, ImmTrac Specialist; Sylvia Rodriguez, Indigent Eligibility Caseworker; Clint Garza, Director; Amelia Flores, Texas Vaccine for Children Coordinator; Elsira Deleon, ImmTrac Specialist; Margie Rodriguez, Clinic Manager; Precinct 3 Commissioner Will Conley and Precinct 4 Commissioner Ray Whisenant.
April 18-25 Is National Infant Immunization Week In Hays County
Commissioners Court Urges Timely Vaccinations
The Hays County Commissioners Court Tuesday proclaimed April 18-25 as National Infant Immunization Week in Hays County and encouraged parents to ensure that their children are vaccinated against preventable diseases.
“The United States has the safest, most accessible vaccinations in the world,” said Hays County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D. “When I worked overseas, parents would walk for miles to bring their children to be vaccinated. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the many opportunities to receive no- and low-cost vaccinations.”
According to the proclamation, it is important to vaccinate children on time, according to the childhood immunization schedule, to provide the best protection early in life when babies are vulnerable and before they are likely to be exposed to diseases. When people are not vaccinated, outbreaks of illnesses – potentially fatal ones – like pertussis (whooping cough) and measles can and do return, even though many people believe the diseases have been eradicated.
Driftwood United Methodist Church Pastor Carl Clark, himself a former public health official with 30 years of experience, told the Court that the only reason he can think of not to vaccinate a child is if the child has a medical condition and cannot tolerate a vaccine. “We need to recognize the importance of an immunization policy,” he said. “I can think of no religious or medical reason not to vaccinate. Although some people are concerned about a connection between vaccinations and autism, numerous studies have disproven that connection.”
Adults who need vaccinations and who don’t have insurance can take advantage of the Adult Safety Net Vaccine Program, while children can participate in the Texas Vaccine for Children Program if the child receives CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Plan) benefits, is eligible for Medicaid or whose family meets low-income eligibility requirements. Contact the Live Oak Health Partners Community Clinic, a Hays County health care partnership, at 512-393-5520.