August is National Immunization Month! Immunizations are one of the best ways to protect the health of a community. Before immunizations, many people died from diseases we now can prevent – such as measles, mumps, chickenpox, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, hepatitis A&B, pneumonia and meningitis. However, the viruses and bacteria that cause these diseases still exist and circulate. When not enough people are vaccinated against a disease, germs can spread easily and quickly, increasing the likelihood that an entire community will become sick. The more people who are vaccinated, the fewer opportunities a disease has to spread. By maintaining high vaccination rates, we can protect vulnerable people who have compromised immune systems and may have poor outcomes, should they become ill.
The Monroe County Health Department (MCHD) recently received a grant through the Department of Health Services (DHS) to provide immunization outreach services focusing on adolescent vaccinations Tdap, HPV and meningococcal. These immunizations are important for pre-teens and teenagers. A Tdap booster is recommended to be given between ages 11-12 years old. HPV vaccination prevents some pre-cancers and cancers related to HPV. It is recommended children get two doses before they turn 13 years old. Meningococcal vaccine is a two-dose series that prevents against infection in the lining of the brain, spinal cord and bloodstream. It is recommended to be given at age 11-12 years and again at 16 years old. Some colleges require meningococcal immunization prior to starting classes on campuses.
MCHD has scheduled upcoming school-based vaccination clinics in partnership with the Sparta and Tomah Area School Districts in conjunction with their back to school open houses. A wide variety of pediatric immunizations will be available, up to age 18. Please call our office with any questions at 608-269-8666.
Wednesday, August 14th
Tomah Middle School: 11a-5p
Tuesday, August 20th
Southside Elementary School: 11am-2pm
SAILS: 3-6pm
Herrman Elementary School: 4-7pm
Wednesday, August 21st
Sparta Montessori: 12p-2p
Meadowview Middle School: 2-6pm
Sparta High School: 6-8pm
Pre-register for any one of these clinics by using the following QR code. Walk-ins are welcome.
Immunization recipients are eligible to receive a free backpack, school supplies and a movie ticket through this initiative while supplies last.
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