Union County Children Urged To Be Vaccinated

Union County, NJ -- Union County residents and parents are being urged to vaccinate their children as part of National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention initiative runs from April 16 to 23 and is designed to raise awareness about the importance of childhood immunizations.

"Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. They not only help protect vaccinated individuals, but also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases," according to a release by the Union County Board of Freeholders.

Among children born during 1994 to 2013, vaccination will prevent an estimated 322 million illnesses, 21 million hospitalizations, and 732,000 deaths over the course of their lifetimes, according to the release.

Parents are asked to check your child’s immunization records and make sure they are up-to-date in their shots.

Children who are uninsured, Medicaid-eligible, Native American or Alaska native, or have insurance that does not cover the cost of the vaccine can get their shots free of cost through the Union County Immunization Center.

Located at 40 Parker Rd in Elizabeth, the UC Immunization Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information about childhood immunizations, or to make an appointment call 908-965-3868.