From staff reports

All county health departments in Mississippi will offer free routine immunizations for infants and children through 18 years of age this week, part of the Mississippi Department of Health’s observance of National Infant Immunization Week.

“Immunizations are essential in giving infants and children a healthy start in life,” State Health Officer Dr. Ed Thompson said in a release Monday. “Statistics show dramatic declines in sickness and death from vaccine-preventable diseases. Immunizations are the best protection we can offer our children against these often deadly diseases.”

Along with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians, MDH recommends immunizations for infants and children from birth through 18 years of age.

The event is observed annually to highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and celebrate the achievement of immunization programs in promoting healthy communities.

Mississippians can visit any county health department during regular working hours for vaccinations.

For more information, visit the MSDH Web site at www.HealthyMS.com or call at 1-866-HLTHY4U (1-866-458-4948).