Indiana Department of Health offers free school supplies to persuade parents to vaccinate children

(http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20130808/BLOGS01/130809572) The Fort Wayne-Allen Department of Health has begun offering free school supplies as a kickback for parents who get their kids vaccinated .

For the remainder of this and next week, the Department of Health will be providing supplies such as crayons, pencils, highlighters, and jumpdrives to children who receive a vaccination.

"Getting children all of the vaccines recommended by CDC's immunization schedule is one of the most important things parents can do to protect their children's health - and that of classmates and the community," claimed Allen County Health Commissioner Dr. Deborah McMahan. "If you haven't done so already, now is the time to check with your doctor to find out what vaccines your child needs."

In Indiana, school-aged children are required to be up-to-date on their vaccination schedule before enrolling in school.

In addition to the DTap, MMR, polio, Tdap, MCV, flu and HPV vaccines that children are required to receive, starting this year, all Indiana students will need two doses of chickenpox vaccine.

Side effects of the chickenpox vaccine include:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling

• Fever

• Mild rash or several small bumps

• Seizure

Side effects may also include severe brain reactions and low blood count.

All vaccines carry side effects. You should always know the risks involved before letting someone inject you or your children with chemicals. More side effect information on the vaccines listed above may be found here:

http://www.cdc.gov