National Immunization Awareness Month is a reminder that we all need vaccines throughout our lives.
Back-to-school season is here. It’s time for parents to gather school supplies and back packs. It’s also the perfect time to make sure your children are up to date on their vaccines.
To celebrate the importance of immunizations for people of all ages – and make sure children are protected with all the vaccines they need as they go back to school – Hamilton County Public Health is joining with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other partners nationwide in recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month.
[quote_box_left]“Getting children all of the vaccines recommended by CDC’s immunization schedule is one of the most important things parents can do to protect their children from serious diseases,” said Hamilton County Health Commissioner, Tim Ingram[/quote_box_left]“Getting children all of the vaccines recommended by CDC’s immunization schedule is one of the most important things parents can do to protect their children from serious diseases,” said Hamilton County Health Commissioner, Tim Ingram. “If you haven’t done so already, now is the perfect time to check with your child’s doctor to find out what vaccines your child needs.”
Vaccines protect against a number of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk for diseases and can also spread diseases to others in their classrooms and community – including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer or other health conditions.
[pull_quote_right]New this year, the State of Ohio requires all incoming seventh and twelfth grade students to submit proof that they have had the meningococcal vaccine before starting the 2016-2017 school year.[/pull_quote_right]New this year, the State of Ohio requires all incoming seventh and twelfth grade students to submit proof that they have had the meningococcal vaccine before starting the 2016-2017 school year. Talk to your child’s doctor to find out which vaccines are recommended for them before going back to school.
[quote_left]Vaccines are available at their immunization clinics to children who are: receiving or are eligible for Medicaid; uninsured; American Indian or an Alaskan Native; or are underinsured (those whose health plan does not provide coverage for vaccines). They stock a limited number of vaccines for adults who have no health insurance.[/quote_left]Hamilton County Public Health provides all of the vaccines recommended for children (ages 2 months- 19 years) by the CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Vaccines are available at their immunization clinics to children who are: receiving or are eligible for Medicaid; uninsured; American Indian or an Alaskan Native; or are underinsured (those whose health plan does not provide coverage for vaccines). They stock a limited number of vaccines for adults who have no health insurance.
Call to determine availability and make an appointment: 513-946-7882.
Parents can find out more about the recommended vaccines at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ or HCPH.org, or by calling Hamilton County Public Health’s Disease Prevention Division at 513- 946-7882. Follow the conversation on social media using the hashtags #NIAM16 and #VaxWithMe.
Hamilton County Public Health works to assure the 480,000 citizens living outside the cities of Cincinnati, Norwood, and Springdale are safe from disease, injury and contamination.
