LAS VEGAS -- Nevada is ranked very low nationwide when it comes to babies being immunized and the Southern Nevada Health District wants to change that with an effort to get as many infants as possible vaccinated.
One issue the district faces is getting the message out to parents how important it is to bring their children in for vaccinations. Currently, Nevada is ranked 46th in the nation.
Unless a child is enrolled in daycare of school, it's not mandated to get them vaccinated and officials believe that is why only 59 to 60 percent of infants are up to date on their immunizations. Lack of insurance and cost are also contributing factors.
Experts say parents are getting too comfortable thinking their children are safe because Nevada hasn't seen any preventable diseases recently. But just last year, whooping cough killed several children in California and Minnesota is currently experiencing a measles problem.
Health officials say because Las Vegas is so transient and there are so many visitors, preventable diseases could easily be brought into the community.
"With us being involved with tourism, remember the preventable diseases that are out there are a plane ride away, even if you don't see it here in Clark County," said Veronica Morata-Nichols.
There has also been fears among some parents that the vaccines might be linked to autism. However experts say, while there are some risks associated with immunizations, research has shown there is no link to autism.
The health district is holding a Vaccinate Your Child festival where they will give immunizations for free. That is taking place on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at 4701 W. Sahara Ave. in the parking lot.
