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WYDEN, SMITH ANNOUNCE FUNDS
FOR KIDS’ IMMUNIZATIONS AND VACCINES

Oregon Department of Human Services will Receive $6,128,515

 

July 8, 2005

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) today announced that the Oregon Department of Health and Human Services will receive a $6,128,515 grant from the Centers for Disease Control Procurement and Grants Office. The program slated to receive funding is Immunizations and Vaccines for Children (VFC), which supplies free vaccines for immunizing eligible children in public and private practices at no cost to participating health care providers. Vaccines for Children aims to help Oregon reach its goal of having 90 percent of our children up to date with their immunization series by age two.

“Oregon children deserve every chance to lead healthy, productive lives, and childhood vaccinations are a vital first step,” said Wyden. “This federal grant will move us closer to the goal of quality health care for every Oregonian.”

“Oregon’s children have their best chance to learn, live happily and succeed when they are healthy,” said Smith. “Vaccination is an expensive process, but with these funds, thousands of children will avoid debilitating infections and better enjoy their youth at no cost.”

The VFC program is expected to benefit approximately 60 percent of U.S. children.

 

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