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It's back to school time and time to think about sports physicals, check ups and immunizations. Immunizations are a safe and effective way to help kids stay healthy by protecting them from serious diseases, such as whooping cough, hepatitis B and chickenpox," Dr. McMillan said. "These illnesses are still around and can rapidly spread between children who have not been fully immunized. Complications from these diseases can be devastating to children and their families."
California schools are required to verify each child's immunization record to ensure that all required shots are completed. Before entering kindergarten, children must have a total of five shots of DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), four of polio, three of hepatitis B, two of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and one of varicella (chickenpox).
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends that preteens and young adults get the following immunizations:
The new tetanus booster (Tdap): This vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). Whooping cough, which is highly contagious, can lead to a severe cough that can cause vomiting and broken ribs. A Tdap booster shot will also help protect close contacts (e.g. infants) that may be at risk for more serious complications from the disease. This vaccine is highly recommended at this time to help stop the current epidemic of whooping cough in the State of California.
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4): This vaccine protects against invasive meningococcal disease, a serious illness that can infect the blood and cause meningitis. It is recommended for preteens (11- to 12-years-old) and for all previously unvaccinated adolescents at high school entry and college freshmen living in dorms.
Chickenpox vaccine: A second dose of chickenpox vaccine is recommended for all children over 4 years of age who have not had the disease.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine: This 3-shot series is now recommended for girls 11- to 12-years-old to prevent cervical cancer in adulthood. This 3-shot series is now recommended for Boys 11- to 12-years-old to reduce their likelihood of acquiring genital warts. Other females and males ages 9-26 are also eligible to receive the vaccine.
"Schools and child care providers do an excellent job working with families to make sure children get the shots they need before they enter school," said Dr. McMillan. "Their efforts to protect the children from serious diseases have resulted in high immunization rates in Mendocino County."
The Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), Community Health Branch is offering immunization clinics during August and September in Fort Bragg, Willits and Ukiah.
For more information about school immunization requirements, vaccine recommendations, and vaccine-preventable diseases, parents should contact their child's physician, school nurse or Mendocino County HHSA Community Health Branch immunization program at 472-2600 or 800-734-7793. California school immunization laws provide an exemption for medical reasons and personal beliefs.
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