The back to school rush has begun, and the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department reminds parents to remember back to school vaccinations. Parents are shopping for new school clothes and school supplies. In all the rush to be ready, parents are asked not to forget about back to school vaccines. Getting all of the recommended vaccines is one of the most important things parents can do to protect their children’s health, according to health department officials.
Children who are not vaccinated are at increased risk for diseases and can spread diseases to others in their classroom 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. Schools are highly susceptible to outbreaks of infectious diseases because students can easily transmit illnesses to one another as a result of poor hand washing, uncovered coughs and dense populations.
Immunizations create a shield of protection at school and at home. Given recent outbreaks, it’s important that children be protected from dangerous, highly contagious diseases like pertussis and measles. Vaccines are among the safest and most cost-effective ways to prevent disease. They can help reduce time missed from school due to illness, and save money on expensive treatments and hospitalizations as well as time missed from work by parents of sick children.
Continuing their observance of National Immunization Awareness Month, the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department wants to focus attention this week on children, pre-teens, and teens to age 18. As children get older, it is important not to lose sight that they need to stay up to date on their vaccines. During the week of August 11-17, the health department has a gift for all children, pre-teens, and teens from age 2-18.
The health department offers state purchased vaccines to all eligible children and teens. For eligibility criteria, parents can call the health department at 325-646-0554. For children and teens who are not eligible for the state funded vaccine, the health department offers a limited amount of privately purchased vaccine. For details about private vaccine, parents can also call the health department.