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Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 01/12/2009 07:09 PM Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 01/12/2009 07:10 PM
Expires: 01/01/2014 12:00 AM
:

Preteens Need Vaccines? Childhood Protection Wears Off

Calaveras County,CA....Most parents probably think they are done with vaccines once their child has entered kindergarten. But immunity from vaccines wears off and preteens are at risk for serious, sometimes life threatening diseases. These include bacterial meningitis, whooping cough [pertussis] and chickenpox [varicella]....


Teens can spread these illnesses to others in their families and communities who are too young to be immunized or who have other health conditions. These persons can become seriously ill and be hospitalized or die.

“It’s important that 11 and 12 year olds get immunized,” said Dean Kelaita, MD, the local health officer for Calaveras County. “Immunity developed from childhood vaccines lessens over time, exposing a child to serious diseases that can easily spread, leading to missed school or worse.”

Periodic outbreaks of chickenpox and whooping cough have occurred in Calaveras County during 2005 to 2008. Most of these outbreaks were identified from illness in teens that had previously been vaccinated. This has led to federal health recommendations for booster doses of whooping cough and chickenpox vaccine for teens.

To increase awareness of this concern, the Calaveras County Public Health Department is observing National Pre-Teen Vaccine Week, January 18-24, 2009. The Health Department is working with three local middle schools to get educational information to students and parents about the importance of getting a well check-up and checking to be sure immunizations are up to date. The doctor will likely recommend several vaccines, including ones to prevent meningitis and HPV [human papillomavirus vaccine], to prevent cervical cancer. An additional dose of vaccines for chickenpox, tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough are also required at this age to boost the teen’s immunity. The doctor may also recommend flu vaccine.

Low-cost or free vaccines are also available through the Public Health Department. Monthly community immunization clinics for infants, children and youth are held in towns throughout the County. The clinic schedule is available online or by calling Public Health.

“Protecting the health of our youth is one of our most urgent priorities,” stated Dr. Kelaita. “Pre-Teen Vaccine Week is part of our commitment to ensuring Calaveras County youth receive all the benefits immunizations can provide.”

For more information contact the Public Health Department at 754.6460 or 1.800.754.8889 or visit the County website at www.co.calaveras.ca.us.



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