The care parents give children is a gift of wellness and social responsibility. Immunization against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP), measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), haemophilus B influenza (Hib), polio (OPV) and hepatitis B (Hep B) effectively reduces health risks for children.

Child immunization rates have increased significantly since 1994 within the Yampa Valley. A Decade of the Child goal is to achieve a 90% immunization rate for two-year olds by the year 2000. In 1996, the children immunization rates exceeded the goal in five of six categories: DTP-3 (99%), Hib-3 (99%), OPV-3 (99%), MMR (97%), and DTP-4 (94%).

Source: Colorado Department of Public Health
and Environment Immunization Program

The success of child immunization can be directly attributed to programs sponsored by the Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurses Association (NWCVNA), which has offices in Craig, Hayden, Oak Creek and Steamboat Springs. NWCVNA uses a computerized recall system, coordinates with child care centers and actively publicizes immunization services. Children immunizations are also subsidized by a federal program, Vaccine for Children. One very successful annual event is Supershot Saturday, with hundreds of children throughout the Yampa Valley receiving free immunizations.