National Immunization Awareness Month is a reminder that we all need vaccines throughout our lives.
To celebrate the importance of immunizations throughout life – and make sure children are protected with all the vaccines they need – Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) 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 Karen Thomas, Immunization Director for Cobb & Douglas Public Health. “If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to check with your doctor to find out what vaccines your child needs.”
Most 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), MenACWY (meningococcal conjugate vaccine) and HPV (human papillomavirus). In addition, yearly flu vaccines are recommended for all children 6 months and older.
Adults are also at risk of contracting vaccine preventable diseases. Persons traveling out of the county may be at risk. CDPH has two travel health clinics in Cobb County. To set up an appointment for travel health services, call the Marietta Health Center on County Services Parkway at 770-514-2485 or the East Cobb Health Center at 678-784-2180.
Immunizations (with the except of travel health services) are offered on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM -5:00 PM.
To learn more about National Immunization Awareness Month, visit cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niam.html.