A Health Department worker who has helped increase the rate of children’s immunization protection in Barton County was recognized by the Barton County Commission this week.
The most recent Employee Recognition Award has been received by WIC Clerk Pamela Luna.
Through the Women, Infants and Children program, she has been active in the Kansas Immunization Dare To Be A Champion.
Through her efforts, the county has seen an increase in immunization rates from 76 to 80 percent, according to information from the Health Department.
According to information from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the program is improve immunization rates around the state. “The goal of Dare to Be a Champion is to increase immunization rates by decreasing missed opportunities and partnering with parents to have their child age appropriately immunized. For this pilot project efforts will be placed on improving rates in children under age 3.”
According to information from the Health Department, there are several reasons that local parents should be concerned about making sure that their children are immunized, including:
• Only immunizations can prevent diseases such as measles, mumps, polio and diphtheria. Some of these diseases can be a serious threat to your child.
• Failure to immunize can lead to new outbreaks of diseases like measles.
• Childhood diseases are serious and can at times be fatal.
• The Barton County Health Department has clinic hours on Thursday evenings to make immunizations for children more convenient.
• The Vaccines for Children Program and HealthWave Insurance help to make immunizations affordable for all children. Contact the Health Department at (620) 793-1902.
• 80 percent of children’s vaccines are needed by the age of 2.  Most schools will not accept children who do not have all their shots.
• If you do not know the recommended immunization schedule you can contact your physician or the Health Department at 793-1902.