KING COUNTY, WA - During National Infant Immunization Week, Public Health - Seattle & King County and several collaborating partners are issuing the third edition of "Plain Talk about Childhood Immunizations," a 32-page booklet with up-to-date information about immunizations for children.

The booklet is available free of charge at www.metrokc.gov/health/immunization/childimmunity.htm or by calling 1-800-322-2588.

"The recent measles epidemic in King County is an excellent example of the importance of immunizations," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County. "By clearly distinguishing fact from fiction, this booklet is a 'must have' for parents concerned about childhood immunizations."

Using a question and answer format, "Plain Talk" provides facts about vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccine safety, the immune system, how vaccines works, and current vaccine recommendations.

"Immunizations are very safe, and children are far more likely to be harmed by serious infectious diseases than by immunizations," said Betsy Hubbard, Public Health's Immunization Coordinator.

King County has the third highest child immunization rate among urban areas in the United States. Nevertheless, despite the obvious benefits of immunizations, some residents still choose not to get immunized.

"Plain Talk" has been reviewed and recognized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Network for Immunization Information (funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation).

The World Health Organization recently published the second edition of "Plain Talk" as an example of public service information on immunization. In addition, health agencies from other states have adopted it for use in their own jurisdictions.

Public Health - Seattle & King County produced "Plain Talk about Childhood Immunizations" in collaboration with the Snohomish Health District, the Immunization Action Coalition of Washington, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Washington, the Washington State Department of Health, and several other public and private agencies.

For information on Public Health's Immunization Program, accurate and science-based information on childhood, adult and travel immunizations, and a list of places in King County to receive immunizations, please visit www.metrokc.gov/health/immunization.