There has been an increase in the number of pertussis cases recently. In California, there have been 800 cases of pertussis diagnosed in the first 2 weeks of June, 2014.
The Tdap vaccine immunizes against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. It is required of children ages 11-12, but may be given as early as age 7. The requirement is for these children to receive this vaccination upon entering the 7th grade.
Pregnant women should receive the Tdap vaccine with each pregnancy to help the unborn child have some immunity when born. The Tdap is recommended to be given in the third trimester of pregnancy at 27-36 weeks gestation. Women can be given the Tdap regardless of the number of years since their prior tetanus containing product.
Any adult that may have contact with a newborn infant should be immunized with Tdap. Adults should receive one dose of Tdap in their lifetime, and then receive the Td vaccine every 10 years thereafter.
Do you or your 7th grader need a Tdap? Call Marion Public Health to schedule an appointment.
Don’t wait till the last minute! Call 740-387-6520 today!
Send Your Kids Back to School with their Vaccines Up to Date
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 supplies and back packs. It’s also the perfect time to make sure your kids are up to date on their vaccines.
To celebrate the importance of immunizations throughout life – and make sure children are protected with all the vaccines they need – Marion Public Health is joining with partners nationwide in recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month.
“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’s health – and that of classmates and the community,” said Tom Quade, Health Commissioner. “If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to check with your doctor or the health department to find out what vaccines your child needs.”
Local schools require children to be current on vaccinations before enrolling to protect the health of all students.
Today’s childhood vaccines protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, including polio, measles, and whooping cough.
When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk and can 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.
School-age children need vaccines. For example, children who are 4 to 6 years old are due for boosters of four vaccines: DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), chickenpox, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and polio. Older children, like preteens and teens, need Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), meningococcal conjugate vaccine (meningitis), Hepatitis A, and HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccines when they are 11 to 12. In addition, yearly flu vaccines are recommended for all children 6 months and older.
Parents can find out more about the recommended immunization schedule at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/index.html or call Marion Public Health at 740-387-6520.
