MAYVILLE – The Chautauqua County Department of Health is reminding the public that August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Health officials say now is the perfect time to remind family, friends, and coworkers to get caught up on their shots.
Immunizations (or vaccinations) aren’t just for infants and young children. We all need shots to help protect us from serious diseases and illness. Everyone age 6 months and older should consider getting a seasonal flu shot every year.
In addition, children under age 6 need to get a series of shots to protect against measles, polio, chicken pox, and hepatitis. Pre-teens need shots at age 11 or 12 to help protect them from tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, meningitis, and HPV. And Teens need a booster shot at age 16 to help protect them from meningitis.
According to county public health director Christine Schuyler, now that the new school year is just around the corner, children of every age need to make sure to update their vaccinations – whether they will be in day care, preschool, kindergarten, high school or college.
New York State law also requires all students to have one dose of mumps vaccine, one dose of rubella vaccine, and two doses of measles vaccine. Being immunized against life-threatening meningococcal disease is specifically recommended for college students. Students should check their immunization record with their health care provider or high school to be certain they meet these requirements.
Also, All adults need to get a 1-time dose of Tdap vaccine. After that you need a booster shot every 10 years to protect against tetanus and diphtheria. And people age 65 or older need a one-time pneumonia shot.
Residents are advised to talk to their doctors or nurse about which shots you and your family need.
Immunizations are available by appointment at the Chautauqua County Health Department. For more information on this and other health services offered, contact the Health Department at 1-866-604-6789 or visit our website at: www.MyHealthyCounty.com.
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