Lil Shots Carnival sees success

Area children who received shots during the Lil Shots Carnival are more prepared to face the germs of the world.

The carnival, sponsored by the Hill County Health Department and in its third year, sought to bring area youths' shot series up-to-date and educate people about the importance of vaccines, all while providing a fun atmosphere.

Monty the Immunization Bear greeted children Friday morning in front of the health department, and the ambulance and fire truck also were big draws.

Children who were up-to-date or whose parents had them given shots that morning had their names entered into a door prizes drawing that included a bicycle.

"This year, there was such good support, that every kid that was upto- date and put their name in the drawings actually won a prize," said Pu b l i c Health Nurs e Bridget Kallenberger.

"Fun doing the different games," she said about children's reactions to the day's activities.

In the midst of the frivolity, serious shots were given to 32 children. Thirtyfour children who attended were already up-to-date on their shots. More children and parents, who may have decided not to have shots administered, also dropped in.

"I think some parents that stopped by didn't realize that some of their kids needed shots," Kallenberger said, adding that in the rush of everyday life, sometimes they get forgotten.

Of the various vaccines offered, Hepatitis A was the dose most given to children during the event, she said.

The vaccine is a voluntary shot, she added.

Vaccines, voluntarily received or mandated, lessen suffering, injury and death from the diseases that they prevent, she said.

A car seat station also was offered during the event.

"So it was nice for parents to be able to come and learn some stuff that they might not have known, " Kallenberger said.

For more information about vaccines or whether children are up-todate, call the health department at 265- 5481, ext. 266.