New this year: New York State Legislation removed all
non-medical exemptions from school vaccination requirements for children. The
United States is currently experiencing the worst outbreak of measles in more
than 25 years, with outbreaks in pockets of New York primarily driving the
crisis.
Immunizations help parents to protect their children from 14
serious and sometimes deadly diseases, including measles, before they turn 2
years old. When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk and can
spread diseases to others in their family and community including babies who
are too young to be fully vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems
due to cancer and other health conditions.
For school age children, parents should remember compliance
with New York State immunization requirements is mandatory for school
enrollment. School age children need boosters for four vaccines between the
ages of 4 to 6 (DTaP-diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; chickenpox, MMR
(measles, mumps and rubella) and polio. Older children, like preteens and
teens, need Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and HPV (human
papillomavirus) vaccines when they are age 11 to 12. A yearly flu vaccine is recommended for all
children 6 months and older.
Off to college or their chosen career? Parents of young adults should send them off
to the future fully protected by making sure they are up to date on all
vaccines recommended for them. Even healthy young adults need protection from
diseases like the flu, whooping cough and HPV.
Remember, adults need vaccines, too. This is the perfect opportunity to make sure
adults are protected against diseases like flu, whooping cough, tetanus,
shingles and pneumonia. The specific vaccines adults need are determined by
factors such as age, lifestyle, pre-existing health conditions, locations of
travel, and previous vaccines. All
adults should talk to their health care providers about which vaccines are
right for them.
You want to pass on family traditions, a grandmother’s quilt
or dad’s love of books, but no one wants to pass on a serious illness. Take
charge of your health and help protect those around you by asking about vaccines
at your next doctor’s visit. National Immunization Awareness Month provides an
opportunity to remind Allegany County residents of all ages to “catch-up” on
their vaccinations.
The Allegany County Department of Health is offering the
following immunization clinics to assist county residents vaccinate their
children before school begins in September.
The immunization clinics scheduled for August 6 through August 16 will
fit the 14-day window for children who do not have the required vaccines to
attend school this fall.
The Allegany County Department of Health immunization
clinics are held in Belmont at the county office building:
Tuesday, August 6, 2019 9 am to 3:30 pm
Monday, August 12, 2019 9 am to 3:30 pm
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
9 am to 3:30 pm
Thursday, August 15, 2019
9 am to 3:30 pm
Friday, August 16, 2019 9 am to 3:30 pm
Monday, August 26, 2019
9 am to 3:30 pm
· Insurance
companies will be billed (please bring insurance cards with you), if you have
no insurance or are underinsured a sliding fee scale is available.
· Children under
18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or official guardian NO
EXCEPTIONS.
· Please call
585-268-9250 for appointments. NO WALK IN SERVICE.
