Action now means prevention later

By Elane Daly

Tuesday, July 29, 2008 11:42 AM EDT

August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month. Now is the perfect time for families to consider staying current with vaccinations. Parents are enrolling their children in school, students are entering college and health-care workers are preparing for the upcoming flu season.
Immunizations are very important, not only to the health of individuals, but to the health of the public as well.

Continuing to receive needed immunization is a lifelong, life-protecting community effort regardless of age, sex, race, ethnic background or country of origin. Vaccinations are recommended to begin soon after birth and continue throughout life. Immunizations vary in their length of effectiveness, and it is important to check with your primary care provider to see if you may be due for a booster.

Parents focus on getting their children vaccinated and tend to forget the importance of being immunized as an adult. Annually adults should receive influenza.

Some other vaccines adults may need are pneumoccocal and tetanus. Your primary health-care provider will decide what vaccines are needed. Making ourselves aware of the vaccines that are recommended for infants, children, adolescents, adults of all ages and seniors and making sure we receive these immunizations are critical to protecting ourselves and our communities from disease.

Vaccines offer safe and effective protection from infectious disease. By staying up-to-date on the recommended vaccines, individuals can protect themselves, their families and friends and their communities from serious, life threatening infections. To view the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended schedules go to cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules.

Residents in Cayuga County that are looking to stay up-to-date with their immunizations should call their primary care provider to schedule an appointment. Your primary care provider keeps record of all of your vaccinations and would be the best place to start.

If you do not have a primary care provider, the Cayuga County Health Department holds various immunization clinics all year long. Visit the Cayuga County Department of Health Web site to view the immunization clinic schedule co.cayuga.ny.us/hhs/doh/comingattract.

Elane Daly is director of Health and Human Services for Cayuga County. She can be reached at 253-1560 or cchealth@dfa.state.ny.us

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