FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Putnam County Department of Health Reminds Families to Make Sure That Children Get Required Vaccinations Before They Go Back To School
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
1 Geneva Road, Brewster, New York 10509
Phone # (845) 808-1390
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 16, 2013
Contact: Barbara Ilardi, Public Information Officer, 845-808-1390
Putnam County Department of Health Reminds Families to Make Sure That Children Get Required Vaccinations Before They Go Back To School
Brewster – It’s getting close to back-to-school time! That means it’s time to start thinking…are my child’s shots up to date? Parents are preparing young children for the start of school, students are leaving for college and flu season is approaching. The Putnam County Department of Health is reminding parents that all children must receive certain vaccinations before they begin or return to school or day care this fall, depending on their age and school year.
“Vaccinations are the safest and most effective way to prevent childhood disease,” said Allen Beals, M.D., J.D., Commissioner of Health. Childhood vaccinations required for school entry protect against potentially life-threatening diseases including diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis B, pertussis (whooping cough) and chicken pox. Teens and college-bound students have other health concerns, including meningitis and cervical cancer for which vaccines offer protection.
Children in day care, pre-K or kindergarten through 12th grade who do not meet the immunization requirements will not be permitted to attend school. The complete list of required immunizations is available on our website at www.putnamcountyny.gov/health or by calling the Putnam County Department of Health’s Immunization Program at (845) 808-1332.
If you have not yet done so, check with your pediatrician about vaccines your child may need and make an appointment as soon as possible. Children up to 19 years of age can receive the required vaccinations free of charge at the Health Department’s clinics if they meet eligibility requirements. Vaccinations are also available to others for a fee. Call (845) 808-1332 for dates, times and location of clinics.
The mission of the Putnam County Department of Health is to improve and protect the health of our community. Core services include community health assessment, disease surveillance and control, environmental health protection, family health promotion and health education. For more information, please visit our website at www.putnamcountyny.gov; or visit our social media sites on Facebook at www.facebook.com/putnamhealth and Twitter @PutnamHealthNY.
