Get Healthy Carson City: Immunizations are not just for children

This column appears in the Nevada Appeal Wednesday health pages. It addresses topics related to the health of our community.

Q: What is important to know about immunizations?

A: August is the perfect time to remind everyone to catch up on their vaccinations: back-to-school is coming, students are entering college, people are planning travel, and healthcare workers are preparing for the upcoming flu season.

Immunizations are clearly one of the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century. Vaccines eradicated smallpox and eliminated wild polio virus in the United States. They significantly reduced the number of cases of measles, diphtheria, rubella, pertussis and other diseases. Despite these successes, people in the U.S. still die from these and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

The diseases for which vaccines offer safe and effective protection are serious and life-threatening. People of all ages should keep up to date on recommended vaccines. Keeping up to date is a lifelong effort regardless of your age, sex, race, ethnicity or country of origin. Recommended vaccinations begin soon after birth and continue throughout life.

While many people understand "childhood diseases" and the need for those immunizations, many are not aware of the various adult vaccinations, other than influenza, available today. Consider pneumonia, tetanus, shingles and hepatitis - adult vaccinations are recommended to help prevent these dreaded diseases.

OTHER REASONS FOR ADULT VACCINATIONS

• Some adults may not have been vaccinated as children.

• Certain vaccinations fade over time

• Some vaccinations were not available during childhood

• As aging occurs, people become more susceptible to certain diseases

Adolescents and adults can assess their vaccine needs by taking a quick quiz at: http://www2a.cdc.gov/nip/adultImmSched/. By factoring the answers to questions regarding risk factors such as travel, communal living, occupational exposures and age, this quiz provides immediate feedback on which vaccines can help you.

PARENTS: Don't wait till the last minute to get your children's immunizations. Schools require proof of vaccinations. Immunizations are offered at Carson City Health and Human Services every Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; closed for lunch.

WHOOPING COUGH EPIDEMIC IN CALIFORNIA

In neighboring California, confirmed cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, is now four times that of last year. Local health officials encourage Tdap boosters for any adult up to 64 years of age that is in close contact with an infant. Whooping cough boosters for adults and vaccine for infants is available at Carson City Health and Human Services.

On the Web

gethealthycarsoncity.org.

Take a quick survey about smoke-free parks and events at:

www.surveymonkey.com/s/26GV68W or through our Facebook page.

CLINICS

Carson City Health and Human Services

Clinic Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Wednesday and Friday, by appointment

Immunization Day: 8:30-11:30 a.m.; 1-4:30 p.m. No appointment needed

WHERE: 900 East Long Street, Carson City

CALL: 775-887-2195

• Pam Graber is the public information officer for Carson City Health and Human Services. She can be reached at 775-283-7906, pgraber@carson.org.