Officials remind residents
to check schedules to be sure they are up to date on their immunizations
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and
Commissioner of Health Services Dr. James Tomarken wish to inform parents that all
children entering 7th and 12th grade in New York State this fall must
have the meningococcal vaccine by
September 1, 2016. Without it, they can’t start school.
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While
the meningococcal vaccine is not a new immunization—the vaccine has been has
been recommended for a decade and many parents have already chosen to immunize
their children-- this year is the first year it vaccine will be required for school entry.
“Immunizations are among the safest and most
cost-effective ways to prevent disease,” said Executive Bellone. “They not only
protect vaccinated individuals but also help protect entire communities, which
is why we want everyone who is not up to date on their immunizations to obtain
them as soon as possible, especially the children who need the meningococcal
vaccine.”
Teens and young adults are at greater risk for meningococcal disease, which causes bacterial meningitis and other serious
diseases. It comes on quickly and without warning with symptoms that are
similar to the flu. Every case of this disease can result in death or long-term
disability.
“Over the years, vaccines have eradicated smallpox,
eliminated poliovirus in the United States and significantly reduced the number
of reported cases of measles diphtheria, and rubella,” said Dr. Tomarken. “But
not everyone is up to date on their immunizations, for example, HPV vaccine,
which can reduce risk for cancer. Immunization schedules change periodically,
so we ask that everyone—adults, pregnant women, and parents of older children--
to speak with their healthcare providers to find out what immunizations are
recommended for them.
To take the Adolescent and Adult Vaccine Quiz, visit: http://www2.cdc.gov/nip/adultimmsched/
To view easy-to-read schedules for all ages, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html
Individuals
who are uninsured, underinsured don’t have a primary healthcare provider are
advised to contact the Suffolk County
Shots for Tots program, also known as the Immunization Action Plan (IAP).
Immunizations are available to children on specific IAP dates. Learn more at http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices/PatientCare/ImmunizationActionProgram/tabid/1277/modId/2597/key/EventDetail/start/635731542000000000/eventid/1250/Default.aspx
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