Immunizations protect your family and community from diseases. Immunizations are a safe and effective way to help the body prevent or fight off diseases. There are potentially serious diseases that we immunize against during childhood and they are: Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Tetanus (lockjaw), Pertussis (whooping cough), Polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib disease), Measles, Mumps, Rubella (German measles), Varicella (chicken pox), and Pneumococcal disease.

These diseases can cause life-threatening illness, lasting disabilities, brain damage, and some can cause DEATH. An immunization involves giving a vaccine by injection (shot). The vaccine stimulates the body to produce antibodies. Antibodies will fight against the disease, and will remain in your body on guard against the disease for months or years. Your doctor or nurse will discuss the risks with you before your child receives the vaccine. You will also receive a vaccine information statement sheet that gives you details about the vaccine and adverse reactions. The most important thing to remember is that getting the disease is much more DANGEROUS than getting the vaccine.

Children receive their first vaccine (Hepatitis B) before leaving the hospital after birth. Then they will receive immunizations at their well baby check at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 15 months. The primary infant immunization series should be completed before 2 years of age. Prior to entering kindergarten, children need a booster of DTaP, Polio, and MMR. Children age 11 to 18 need immunizations if they have not been protected against Hepatitis B, and Varicella. At ages 11 to 12 children need a Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertusis booster (Tdap), if it has been five years since their last dose of DTP. If a meningococcal vaccine was between the ages of 13 to 15, it is now recommended that a booster dose be given between the ages of 16 to 18 years old. The Health Department offers Gardasil for females and males to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts. Adults should be protected against Tetanus, Diphtheria, Mumps, Measles, Rubella, and chicken pox (varicella). Immunizations are free for ages 1 month to 18 years of age at the health department. The health department also offers the meningococcal vaccine at college entry for a fee. Adult immunizations are given for a fee. The health department administers immunizations Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The Health Department utilizes the North Carolina Immunization Registry. The benefits of the NCIR are that the public and private providers will be using the same clinical record, immediate update, and availability of the clinical record. The registry will make ACIP compliant recommendations at each visit. With the immunization registry our county’s immunization assessment rates should improve. One of the most important gifts a parent can give their child is to make sure that immunizations are given on schedule and to keep the immunization record in a safe place. For any questions or concerns about immunizations feel free to call the health department at 592-1131.