Immunizations: Protect the ones who cannot protect themselves
The Catoosa County Health Department urges everyone to protect infants from vaccinepreventable diseases by ensuring our little ones and everyone around them are vaccinated and up-to-date on their immunization schedules.
“Vaccines are crucial to protecting children before they are exposed to potentially lifethreatening diseases,” said Catoosa County Health Department Nurse Manager Lisa Crowder. “Immunization is a shared responsibility and we as parents, family, friends and health care providers can help keep our children and our communities protected by staying current on our immunization schedule. We urge parents to speak with their pediatrician or health care provider at every visit to make sure their infant is up-to-date on vaccinations.”
According to the most recent data available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Immunization Survey, Georgia immunization rates for Tdap were below the national average, ranking them 39th compared to other states. NIIW is a call to action to ensure that parents, grandparents and caregivers receive a dose of Tdap to protect infants from pertussis and that all infants are fully vaccinated against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases.
Two doses given at least four weeks apart are recommended for children aged 6 months through 8 years of age who are getting a flu vaccine for the first time and for some other children in this age group.
Two doses of HepA vaccine are needed for lasting protection. The first dose of HepA vaccine should be given between 12 months and 23 months of age. The second dose should be given 6 to 18 months later. HepA vaccination may be given to any child 12 months and older to protect against HepA. Children and adolescents, who did not receive the HepA vaccine and are at high-risk, should be vaccinated against HepA.
According to the CDC, the United States currently has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in its history. Scientists, doctors and health care professionals give vaccines to children only after long, thorough and careful review. The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for most children. Vaccination is the best way to protect others you care about from vaccine-preventable diseases.
The Catoosa County Health Department encourages everyone – in observance of National Infant Immunization Week – to protect the little ones who cannot yet protect themselves: contact your pediatrician or your local public health department to ensure your infant is up-to-date on vaccinations.
Acceptable payment methods include cash, credit-or-debit card, Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield of Georgia, Cigna, and United Health Care SHBP.
Catoosa County Health Department hours are Monday – Wednesday 8 am to 5 pm, Thursday 8 am to 7 pm, and Friday 8 am to 2 pm.
Contact the Catoosa County Health Department, 145 Catoosa Circle, Ringgold, at 706-406-2000; the Environmental Health office at 706-406-2030, or visit www. nwgapublichealth.org/counties/ catoosa.