MASSENA – Massena Memorial Hospital offers vaccinations for measles, mumps, whooping cough and encouraging parents to take advantage as instances of these sicknesses are on the rise.

These three highly contagious diseases are not seen often in the United States because most children are vaccinated.

Massena Memorial Hospital Pediatricians at Kids Korner Pediatrics and Adolescent Center provide immunizations and other pediatric care for newborns through 18-year olds to prevent these diseases and keep your child healthy.

“Vaccines protect children from serious illnesses and complications from illnesses that are preventable,” pediatrician Dr. Nor Ramli said in a prepared statement from the hospital. “Shots will keep the kids healthy and from going to the emergency room.”

Some parents who started following the modern anti-vaccination movement, starting in the 1990s, have elected not to have their children immunized. As a result of the anti-vaccination movement, New York state experienced a slight resurgence of measles and mumps cases last fall, MMH said.

Babies and children are notorious for developing ear and sinus infections. Ramli pointed out that these infections are caused by strep pneumonia and hemophilus influenza B bacteria, which can be adverted if the baby is immunized.

There are many viruses that a baby can catch as their immune systems are getting stronger after birth. The hepatitis B virus affects the liver and can be transmitted to a baby from its mother during birth.

Newborns are given a hepatitis B (HBV) virus shot shortly after birth while they are still in the hospital with their mom. Babies are given additional shots at two months, 4 months, 6 months, 1 year, 15 months and 18 months when they come for their check up

Meningococcal meningitis, a blood infection, can cause serious infections that can turn deadly. Children can experience dehydration, diarrhea and symptoms, similar to the stomach flu, if they catch the rota virus. The great news is that Ramli stressed all these viruses can be prevented.

Children who have missed a recommended vaccine can get caught up on their immunization list during their next doctor visit. Kids Korner Pediatric and Adolescent Center's phone number is 315-769-4700 .