Battling Polio: Important Milestones, Ongoing Challenges

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By Kristine Goodwin

This month marked a major milestone in a massive international effort to eradicate polio from the world’s second-most populated nation, India. On Feb. 11, dignitaries convened in Delhi to recognize the country’s third year without any polio cases, and next month, an international commission will consider certifying India as polio-free.

But the race isn’t over just yet. [Read more…]

Give the Gift of Healthy Kids on Colorado Gives Day

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By Stephanie Wasserman, Executive Director of the Colorado Children’s Immunization Coalition

With the holiday season in full swing, I know that you may be considering charitable donations as a way to celebrate and spread the joy of giving. Today marks the annual Colorado Gives Day (#COGivesDay), an initiative to increase philanthropy in Colorado through online giving. When supporting the charities that inspire you this Colorado Gives Day, I encourage you to remember the invaluable role the Colorado Children’s Immunization Coalition (CCIC) plays in keeping Colorado kids healthy. [Read more…]

October is Health Literacy Month

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Better Communication About Vaccines Can Increase Vaccination Rates and Improve Health Literacy

By Jeanine Limone Draut, Principal, InPraxis Communications

Flu season crept up on me this year, and it dawned on me last week that it was time for my family to get our annual flu shots.

I went to the pediatrician’s website to find out when the flu shot clinic would take place. Buried under the “News” section of the site was “Influenza Vaccine Information.” I clicked on the link, and this is what I found: [Read more…]

Spread the Word, Not the Flu!

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By Diana Herrero, Interim Immunization Section Director, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

What’s the best way to stay healthy this flu season? With a flu shot, of course! The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is always searching for new and creative ways to spread the word about the importance of the flu vaccination. And what better way to make a message go viral than with social media? [Read more…]

Don’t Neglect Your Teen’s Vaccines

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By Diana Herrero, Interim Immunization Section Director, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Everyone knows how important vaccines are for babies and toddlers, but what about adolescents and teens? As kids reach their teenage years, protection from some childhood vaccines begins to wear off. Plus, older kids are at risk for other diseases. A report published August 30 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that while more teens are getting vaccinated, coverage rates still fall below national goals for some teen vaccines. [Read more…]

Immunology 101 Series: Why Mild Vaccine Side Effects Are a Good Thing

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By Aimee Pugh-Bernard, PhD

Tenderness and swelling? Good! These mild side effects tell us that the immune system is working.

In the seventh installment of the Immunology 101 Series, Aimee will explain the science behind the side effects of immunization.

Have you ever noticed that soon after you or your child receive an immunization the injection site may appear to be red and slightly swollen? These mild side effects are extremely common and occur not only after injections, but also after cuts or scratches on our skin. Although the injection site may be tender for a day or two, it is important to understand that these side effects are signs that the immune system is working. Redness and swelling tell us that our immune cells are responding to the pathogenic components in the vaccine and have begun training to provide long-lasting protection.

[Read more…]

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