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Free Childhood Vaccines Available at Baby Expo – Sunday, May 22

Reno, Nev. (May 9, 2016) — Immunize Nevada is partnering with the Washoe County Health District and Nevada WebIZ to host the Vaccination Village at the Reno/Sparks Baby Expo and Family Health Fair, presented by Renown Children’s Hospital and RGJ Media, on Sunday, May 22, from 9a.m. to 2p.m. at the Grand Sierra Resort.

All recommended childhood immunizations will be available free for children 6 and under. Tdap will be available for dads, moms and grandparents at no-cost, while supplies last. Those with insurance should bring their cards, including Medicaid or Nevada Check-Up. Families can also get a copy of their official immunization record, questions answered and more.

Admission is free for the annual event, which provides families with a day of learning and fun provided by local vendors offering a variety of products, information and educational tools. 

“Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective tools available for preventing disease and even death,” said Immunize Nevada Executive Director Heidi Parker. “We’re happy to be able to provide this resource for area babies and children and this is a great time for parents to get their children up-to-date for kindergarten enrollment!”

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says vaccines not only help protect vaccinated individuals, but they also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Among children born between 1994-2013, vaccines will prevent an estimated 322 million illnesses, 21 million hospitalizations and 732,000 deaths over the course of their lifetimes.

“Vaccines are successful, which means that many of us don’t really understand how serious the diseases are that they prevent,” Parker explained. “But vaccine-preventable diseases still exist, as evidenced by last year’s measles outbreak. This makes it so important for all parents to educate themselves and to protect their children.”

Immunize Nevada is widely recognized as Nevada’s trusted resource for immunizations and community health for all ages by fostering education and statewide collaboration. Immunize Nevada’s vision is healthy communities across Nevada protected from vaccine-preventable disease. For more information, visit ImmunizeNevada.org.

 

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