Time for Toddlers to Get Their Shots
May has been designated Toddler Immunization Month and health officials are urging parents to review their children’s immunization records to be sure they are up to date.
California studies show that most children begin their immunizations in infancy, yet two out of three do not complete the full series of needed immunizations before their second birthday.
“This tendency to discontinue or postpone immunizations leaves many children unprotected when they are most vulnerable,” said Dr. Donald G. Ramras, county health officer.
Dr. Duncan McKellar, president of the local chapter of the California Academy of Family Physicians, said: “Although vaccines have nearly eradicated diseases like polio and tetanus, the need for immunizing children still exists. The organisms which cause the diseases are still very much present.”
Also participating in the campaign to complete toddler immunization are the local chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the state Department of Health Services and the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
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