Donated Wheels Get Baby Shots Program on the Road to Kids' Health

Over 12,000 children a year are vaccinated through the Phoenix Fire Department's Baby Shots immunization program. However, getting the vaccines and supplies to the various Valleywide clinic sites has proven to be a challenge for the program's staff members.

Thanks to the Valley Automobile Dealers Association, the challenge no longer exists. On behalf of the VADA, President Knox Ramsey has donated a new van to the Baby Shots Program. In addition, Thomas Tobin, on behalf of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation has donated $5,000 to retrofit the van's interior to accommodate the delicate supplies that must be transported.

The community will benefit greatly from the generosity of these two organizations because more vaccines will be accessible at more clinic sites. The Phoenix Fire Department's Baby Shots Program provides free immunization services to the uninsured, underinsured and those on state and federal-assisted insurance programs.

Immunization is the single most important way parents can protect their children against serious diseases. Vaccinations are given to protect against 12 childhood diseases: Measles, Mumps, Rubella (German Measles), Diphtheria, Tetanus (Lockjaw), Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Polio, Haemophilus Influenzae Type B, Pneumococcus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Varicella (Chicken Pox).

For more information about the Phoenix Fire Department's immunization program, "Baby Shots," call 602-534-BABY. Or, visit Phoenix Fire online at www.phoenix.gov/fire.