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Department of Health reminds families to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases
SANTA FE – The Department of Health (DOH) encourages New Mexico families to stay on track for their children's medical check-ups and recommended vaccinations.
“Giving babies the recommended vaccinations by age two is the best way to protect them from serious childhood diseases, like whooping cough and measles,” said DOH Secretary Patrick M. Allen. “Vaccination is a shared responsibility. I’m grateful for the families, healthcare professionals, and public health officials working together to help protect their communities.”
The week of April 24, is National Infant Immunization Week, focusing on children under two years old, but children of all ages in our state saw a drop in getting the vaccinations they need during the COVID pandemic that has still not gotten back to pre-pandemic levels, leaving many kids not fully protected.
Although vaccine rates are now rising, it is still important to make sure your infants, toddlers and children are safe from infections that vaccines prevent and are up to date for the school year.
For older children in New Mexico, "vaccine catch up" events, where children can get their back-to-school vaccines, will take place July 8 - August 31, 2023. More information on locations of participating sites throughout the state will be announced later this summer.
Vaccines are safe. The U.S. has a long-standing vaccine safety system that ensures vaccines are as safe as possible. As new information and science become available, vaccine recommendations are monitored, updated, and improved.
NMHealth.org has the 2023-2024 school and daycare immunization requirements already posted. As many school districts have moved to extended schedules, this link will be helpful for parents to review before their children return to class.
To know what vaccinations your child has already received, visit VaxViewNM.org or call 1-833-882-6454, hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F, closed 12 to 1 p.m. for lunch, customers may also leave a voicemail and receive a call back. Additional information about immunizations for both children and adults are also available on the DOH Immunization Program portion of our website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also provide Immunization Schedules for both parents and health care providers.
Media Contact
We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact David Barre at (505) 699-9237 (Office) with your questions.
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