Oklahoma kids are getting crucial immunizations at a lower rate than those in 48 other states.
Susan Mendus with the state health department said concern about side effects is just one factor.
"It may be hard for parents to find vaccine providers in some areas of the state, and some parents may not know that even if they do not have health insurance, they can receive vaccines at any county health department in the state," Mendus said.
Just 64 percent of Oklahoma kids received all their childhood immunizations in 2013. These are the ones in the series to complete between a year and a half and 3 years of age. Mendus said the diseases — including polio, measles and whooping cough — are dangerous.
"They can cause long-term consequences and even death," Mendus said. "It's very important to get babies vaccinated on time because they're at risk."
Mendus said it should be just a matter of time before several strategies the health department rolled out to increase the immunization rate pay off. She encourages parents to enroll in a program that sends information via text.
"We're partnering with Text for Baby, which is a free mobile service that will send texts to moms or dads reminding them when their baby needs immunizations, plus a lot of other good health information," Mendus said.
To sign up, text “baby” to 511411. Carrier charges will apply.
