Sharon Davis Launches Child Immunization Campaign
Hoping to reach the goal of having 90% of all California newborns immunized by age two, Gov. Gray Davis (D) and first lady Sharon Davis launched an awareness campaign on Nov. 21 urging parents to immunize their children. Through the program, parents of newborns will receive a congratulatory card from the Davises with a reminder to have children immunized. The cards, donated by Hallmark, feature a message in English and Spanish, along with inserts in several other languages. Diana Bonta, director of the state Department of Health Services, said, "Polio, diphtheria, whooping cough and measles are just some of the childhood diseases that are preventable if children are immunized on time. These cards will provide a timely reminder to parents who are busy with the many other activities of parenthood." At present, nearly 75% of two-year-olds in the state are "fully immunized." The program is expected to continue through 2002 (Office of the Governor release, 11/21).
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