County calls for shots against childhood disease County calls for shots against childhood disease (May 12, 2004)

The first cut -- or, in this case, shot -- might be the deepest, but the squalls of a baby shouldn't dissuade parents from having their children immunized, officials say.

In honor of Toddler Immunization Month in May, San Mateo County health officials are working to get the word out about the importance of protecting youngsters against diseases such as whooping cough (pertussis), which is becoming more common in California.

In an April 28 event in East Palo Alto, children donned lung costumes and took part in activities that are possible only with healthy lungs, such as singing, blowing bubbles and tooting on toy whistles, said Beverly Thames, a spokeswoman for the San Mateo County Health Services Agency.

Immunization rates for San Mateo County 2-year-olds improved from 70.3 percent in 2001 to 75.6 percent in 2003, she said. The health services agency is planning an immunization registry to improve rates throughout the county.

Locally, immunizations are available through the health department, generally at no cost for children, at the Willow Clinic at the Veterans Affairs hospital at 795 Willow Road, Building 334, in Menlo Park. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with appointments required. Call 599-3890 for more information.

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