Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes presented a proclamation Friday morning to nurses and administration of the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department which proclaimed April 22-28, 2012 as Infant Immunization and Awareness Week, recognizing the importance of infant immunizations.

The proclamation encourages infant immunizations before the age of two in order to protect them from 14 serious childhood diseases.

The proclamation states:

• Because preventable diseases still circulate in the United States and that it is important to protect everyone from potential outbreak
• Even diseases that are rare in the U.S. can be brought into the country putting unvaccinated children at risk
• Babies should be immunized in early life when are more vulnerable to diseases, before they have been exposed to them.

Mayor Haynes thanked the health department staff for their work to keep infectious diseases from spreading in our community.

During Infant Immunization and Awareness week, the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department will be hosting an Infant Immunization Fair on Monday and Tuesday with extended hours of 8:00-11:30am and 1:00-6:00pm each day.

The fair will offer immunizations to children under 2 years-of-age, face painting and balloons.  The “Bee Wise” immunization bee will be at the fair handing out balloons.

Those who bring children and their updated immunization record or get their child updated on immunizations during the fair will be given a free package of diapers (while supplies last).

According to information from the health department, by age 2, children should have the following immunizations:  DTAP, HIB, PCV 13, Polio, MMR, Chicken Pox Vaccine, Hep B, and Hep A.  Please call the health department for more information and questions about the proper immunization schedule.

Pictured above are (left to right):  Ada Lopez, Jula Hill, Donna Miller and Mayor Stephen Haynes.  Below Mayor Haynes signs proclamation.