Give it a shot! Immunizations vital

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

National Infant Immunization Week, taking place this week, is an annual observance to highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and celebrate the achievements of immunization programs and their partners in promoting healthy communities.

Since 1994, hundreds of communities across the United States, including Carson City, have joined together to celebrate the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our children, communities, and public health. Carson City Health and Human Services is proud to partner with Immunize Nevada to promote vaccination for kids in our community.

Ensuring your children receive their childhood immunizations is an important part of protecting their health, as well as the health of others. Being immunized according to the newborn-to-2-year-old vaccination schedule can help prevent 14 different illnesses.

Roni Galas, Clinical Services Manager at Carson City Health and Human Services, believes vaccines are a critical part of protecting the public’s health. “We all need to work together to protect our community from vaccine preventable diseases,” she said. Infants and young children can receive the recommended vaccinations during the Health Department’s weekly Thursday immunization days. Appointments aren’t necessary on this day, but parents are reminded to bring their children’s immunization record.

Although currently celebrating National Infant Immunization week, older children need vaccinations, too. Clinic Staff at both Carson City Health and Human Services and Douglas County Community Health are looking forward to extra Saturday vaccination clinics being held in May for children entering middle school. “A Tdap (Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis) booster is needed for children entering middle school, and we want to give families a chance to have their kids’ vaccinations up-to-date. Students will not be allowed to start school in the fall without up-to-date vaccinations,” said Galas. Tdap shots will be offered on Saturday, May 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Douglas County Clinic and on Saturday, May 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carson City Clinic. Other recommended vaccinations will be available as well, including the HPV and Meningococcal vaccines. Parents will be reminded of the vaccination clinics through their respective school districts.

For vaccinations, Carson City Health and Human Services’ Clinic accepts most insurance, Medicaid, and Nevada Check-Up. A sliding fee scale is available for those without insurance. For more information about Health Department services, check out our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cchhs.