Californians for Patient Care reminds parents about affordable infants' immunizations

In advance of National Infant Immunization Week, observed April 23-30, Californians for Patient Care reminds parents there are affordable immunizations available for their infants in their communities. By adhering to the recommended immunization schedule as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, parents can ensure their children are protected against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases. Information on safety net clinics that may be offering immunizations at little or no cost can be found at Californians for Patient Care's website, www.calpatientcare.org.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccine-preventable diseases will remain a threat to children without diligent efforts to maintain immunization programs in the United States and strengthening them worldwide. Illustrating the need for immunizations, the CDC points to the 2010 outbreak of whooping cough in California, where more than 8,000 cases were reported statewide, including 10 infant deaths. Now, whooping cough immunizations are required for any student entering the seventh grade or higher.

"For people without insurance, sometimes the question isn't whether or not they think the immunization is necessary, but whether or not they can afford it," said Carmella Gutierrez, president of Californians for Patient Care. "Every Californian should know there is a local network of care providers who charge little or no money for immunizations. We encourage people to use our MyHealthResource online guide to find places where they can get the care they need - including immunizations for infants and children - when they need it."

People can access the MyHealthResource guide by clicking on the blue button at www.calpatientcare.org. After typing in basic search information such as city or county and category of resource, Californians can find a comprehensive list of local healthcare providers that provide primary, dental and mental healthcare services to the uninsured and underinsured, some of which may be offering the recommended immunizations for infants and children.

Along with information on local healthcare service providers, Californians for Patient Care also provides information on chronic disease management, how to shop for health insurance, information on new research studies and links to helpful organizations and websites.

"Every parent wants their child to be safe and healthy and vaccinations can help with that," said Gutierrez. "In fact, parents and other caregivers - who can sometimes serve as 'carriers' of vaccine-preventable diseases - should consider getting vaccinated, if they haven't been already. Regardless of a person's financial circumstances, there are local healthcare providers available where parents can get these important vaccinations and other preventive services for their kids.