Pediatricians Stress Importance Of Shots

“Immunize for healthy lives.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics is using this message to remind parents to take their school-aged children for physical examinations and immunizations before school starts in the fall.

Vaccinations, however, need to begin at infancy, AAP health officials say.

Nearly 1 million American children under the age of 2 go unprotected against life-threatening, yet preventable, childhood diseases every year because they are not fully immunized. Before a child turns 2, immunizations are recommended to prevent 10 diseases.

Immunizations are also important because they are often the first step for parents to establish a relationship with a health care provider. Doctors and health workers use immunization visits to check the child’s growth and development and discuss health issues with parents.

For an immunization schedule, contact your pediatrician or the Spokane County Health District at 324-1600.

Graco product recall

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Graco Children’s Products Inc. announces the recall of Graco stationary entertainers made before March 1996.

There are about 63,000 stationary entertainers affected by the recall, declared as potential hazards to children.

The entertainers’ white plastic seat rings have sharp edges that can cut or scratch a child’s legs. More than 400 reports of injury, usually occurring as the child is lifted from the seat, have been received by Graco.

The recalled product is identified by the white plastic seat ring under the padded seat cover, and a 27-inch wide plastic tray, supported by three adjustable legs. The chair, which sits in the center of the entertainer, swivels so the child can play with toys attached to the tray.

Those who own a recalled stationary entertainer can order a free in-home repair kit consisting of a replacement seat ring and installation instructions.

To order a repair kit, call (800) 423-9078 or write to: Consumer Affairs, Graco Children’s Products, P.O. Box 100, Elverson, PA 19520.

Vital records publication

For those who want to request copies of birth, death, marriage or divorce certificates, a U.S. Government publication is available: “Where to Write for Vital Records.”

Official certificates are on file in various state, city, county and local government offices. The publication lists the appropriate agency to contact in each state for specific certificates. It gives instructions on what to include in your request, as well as the agencies’ addresses, telephone numbers and applicable costs.

Also included in the booklet is how to obtain foreign records, certificates of citizenship and certified copies of vital records.

To order the publication, send a check for $7.95 payable to: Federal Reprints, P.O. Box 11783, Washington, DC 20008.

, DataTimes MEMO: The Family Track is a weekly column of notes and information for families. Send items to Lynn Gibson, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax (509) 459-5098.