Contact: AAP Division of Public Relations: 847-981-7877 For Immediate Release
"IMMUNIZE FOR HEALTHY LIVES" THIS AUGUST
CHICAGO--Nearly one million American children under age 2 go unprotected against life-threatening, yet preventable, childhood diseases every year because they are not fully immunized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To help improve immunization rates, McDonalds restaurants are for a fourth year teaming up with local health officials on "Immunize for Healthy Lives," an immunization education program. Throughout August, participating McDonalds will distribute immunization education materials in the form of a trayliner and leaflet which feature the vaccination schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
August is the natural back-to-school vaccination time period when most parents take their school-aged children for physical examinations and immunizations before returning to the classroom. But many parents may not know that vaccinations need to begin at infancy, and that health professionals recommend a vaccine for chicken pox.
"Before theyre 2 years old, children need immunizations to prevent 10 diseases," said Robert Hannemann, MD, FAAP, president of the AAP. "In some cases, this requires more than one dose of vaccine, but several immunizations can often be given at one visit. We recommend parents check with their pediatrician or health department to see what is needed for their child."
Immunizations are also important because theyre often the first step for parents to establish a relationship with a health care provider. Health officials use this immunization opportunity to check the childs healthy growth and development and discuss health issues with parents.
Last year, more than 6,800 McDonalds restaurants across the country participated in "Immunize for Healthy Lives," reaching over 65 million people with important immunization messages. These efforts helped increase immunization rates in many communities, anywhere from 2 to 21 percent.
"McDonalds has always been concerned with the well-being of children and families," said Bridget Marshall, McDonalds Communications. "By working with local health officials, we can encourage parents get their children vaccinated on time to help them stay healthy."
6/19/97
The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 53,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
McDonalds is the leading foodservice retailer in the global marketplace with more than 21,000 restaurants in 101 countries. Approximately 85 percent of the local McDonalds restaurants are owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs.
The National Association of County and City Health Officials, the national voice of the 2,888 local health departments, is dedicated to improving the health of people and communities by assuring an effective local public health system.
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