Picture Me Healthy

Picture Me Healthy is a toddler immunization program. In 1993, Madera County's immunization rate for two year old children was one of the lowest in California; at a rate of 28%, nearly three quarters of young children were not fully immunized. Since many of the families served by this Department are of limited income, and often are not able to afford routine photographs of their children, the "Picture Me Healthy" baby photo book program was created as an incentive for parents. Through the program, parents/ caregivers recieve a photo book at the first clinic visit. At each subsequent visit, a photo is taken and placed in the book. At each immunization milestone two pages are devoted to growth/ development and health information in a simple, low literacy format linked to the developmental period associated with the age the photograph was taken. Finally, below the photo is a space for the date of the next immunization to be written. This reminder is evident, every time the parent looks at the photo or shows it to friends and family, reinforcing the need to return.

The goal of this program is to improve immunization rates in Madera County.

Parents love the book, often bringing their children dressed up for the photo and reminding us if we forget. Since the project's inception, immunization rates have increased to over 85%.