DPH AND PARTNERS TAKE STRIDES TO PROMOTE IMMUNIZATIONS

On Saturday, Oct. 29, Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) and the Immunization Coalition of Delaware are sponsoring "Strides for Community Immunity," a run/walk event in historic downtown Dover to promote the importance of all medically recommended immunizations.

Immunizations are safe and important because they protect individuals and entire communities from disease, even slowing or stopping outbreaks. By not being immunized, people expose themselves and others to debilitating or even deadly diseases. Vaccines work by stimulating the body's immune system to produce enough antibodies to ward off a specific disease.

"We see less of the diseases that have been a threat to us in the past because of immunizations, but in a recent trend of complacency, vaccination numbers are down. This invites those diseases back into our lives, which is exactly what we need to avoid," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, director of the Division of Public Health. "This walk/run event is a fun, community-based event to remind us to take care of ourselves by getting vaccinated, and by doing so, take care of our family, friends and neighbors."

The walk is open to the casual walker or those who walk or run competitively, with a course that winds through historic Dover. Because it is flu season, free flu vaccinations will be given to walk/run participants. Refreshments will be available, and all entrants receive a free event T-shirt . Trophies will be awarded to the top adult finishers.

The event starts at the beach side of Silver Lake Park in Dover on Saturday, Oct. 29. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the 5K Run/Walk starts at 9 a.m. with a Healthy Kids Run (for 10 and under) at 8:55 a.m.

Registration fees:

• $10 individuals
• $15 for a team or family of 3
• $18 for a team or family of 4-6
• The Healthy Kids Run is free to kids 10 & under, with medals to all who finish.

To register, go to the Tri Sports Events website: www.trisportsevents.com

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.