(World Immunization Week April 24-30)
World Immunization Week (NIW), April 24-30, highlights the importance of protecting all people from vaccine-
preventable diseases. Southern 7 Health Department is committed to this effort by helping families stay on-track with
their recommended vaccinations.
Vaccines have proven to be the most successful and cost-effective public health tool available for preventing disease and
death. According to the CDC, there are more than 25 safe and effective vaccines to prevent diseases and mitigate
outbreaks. By the year 2030, it is estimated that more than 50 million deaths can be prevented through immunization.
For children alone, each year, approximately 4 million deaths are prevented worldwide by childhood vaccination against
14 serious childhood diseases such as whooping cough (pertussis), polio, hepatitis B, and measles. Illinois state law
requires certain vaccinations for children under age 18 before entering school.
“Now is the perfect time to schedule your child’s back-to-school shots, but don’t forget the rest of the family,” says
Shawnna Rhine, S7HD Community Outreach Coordinator. “It’s easy to check your vaccine status with your local health
department or healthcare provider and get everyone up-to-date.”
Southern 7 Health Department provides the recommended vaccinations for all ages at each of their seven public health
clinic offices. To learn if you or your child is current with routine vaccinations, including COVID-19 boosters, or to
schedule a vaccination appointment at a public health clinic near you, call 618-634-2297, visit southern7.org, or
download the Southern 7 app.
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