Every year, thousands of children become ill from diseases which could have been prevented by childhood immunizations.

National Infant Immunization Week is an annual observance to promote the benefits of immunizations and to improve the health of children two years of age and younger. NIIW highlights the dangers of vaccine-preventable diseases to infants and young children and the importance of childhood immunizations in helping to keep children safe and healthy. This year, National Infant Immunization Week will be observed April 21-28.

In observance of National Infant Immunization Week, the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department will be hosting various activities to encourage the public to focus on the importance of having all young children fully immunized by the time they are two years of age.

• April 16-20 the health department will be having a diaper drive for infants and children up to two years of age. Any parent bringing in their child’s up-to-date immunization card will receive a free package of diapers. Any parent bringing an eligible child who is not up-to-date on immunizations, and getting immunizations to bring them up-to-date will also receive a free package of diapers. During the week of April 16-20, immunizations will be given Monday through Friday from 8:00-11:30 am and from 1:00-4:30pm.

• April 23-27 any parent bringing an eligible child two years of age and under for immunizations will receive those vaccines free. The health department will host a Kids Health Fair on April 23 and 24.  The health department invites parents to bring their children to the health fair for face painting, balloons, puppet shows, bubble blowing, and prizes. Bee Wise the bumblebee will be present to pass out balloons to the children. Information about immunizations and vaccine preventable diseases will be available to parents. The health department will be having extended hours on April 23-24 for the event. The hours will be 8:00-11:30 am and 1:00 until 6:00 pm both days.

The eligibility guidelines which must be followed to determine if a child is eligible to receive the low cost state-funded vaccine are as follows, and at least one of the criteria must be met for the child to qualify for state-funded vaccines.

1. The child is Medicaid eligible.
2. The child is not covered by any private insurance.
3. The child is American Indian or Alaskan Native.
4. The child is underinsured-has private insurance, but coverage does not include vaccines; insurance covers only select vaccines, in which case the child is eligible to receive TVFC vaccine only for the non-covered vaccines; or, insurance caps vaccine coverage at a certain amount. Once that amount is reached, the child is considered underinsured.
5. The child is enrolled in CHIP.

Any questions regarding the above guidelines should be addressed to the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department 325-646-0554.

Brownwood/Brown County Health Department encourages all parents to bring their eligible little ones in to join in the fun and to get their immunizations updated.