Calaveras County Public Health Press release re:pre-teen vaccination week

The Calaveras County Public Health Department is promoting Preteen Vaccine Week, February 12-18, 2012, as part of a statewide effort to remind families of preteens about recommended and required immunizations for 11-and 12-year olds.

Dr. Dean Kelaita, County Health Officer, encouraged families of preteens to schedule a doctor visit and get vaccines they need to stay healthy and meet the Tdap school entry requirement for incoming 7^th graders.

During 2010, California experienced a whooping cough (also known as pertussis) epidemic that resulted in 10 infant deaths.  Incoming 7^th graders for the 2012-13 school year must provide proof of having immunization against whooping cough (‘Tdap’) before starting school.  Students who have not met the requirement will not be allowed to start school.  “I encourage parents to have their students vaccinated with the whooping cough booster shot, Tdap, now in order to protect them against whooping cough and to meet the school requirement,” stated Dr. Kelaita.

Immunity from childhood vaccines wears off over time, exposing a child to serious diseases that can lead to missed weeks of school or serious illness. Besides the Tdap shot, there are other immunizations that are now recommended for this age group, including the meningococcal vaccine, a second chickenpox shot (if they never had chickenpox disease), and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series. Also, everyone older than 6 months is recommended to receive flu vaccine.

The Calaveras County Public Health Department offers no- or low-cost vaccines to

children without health insurance or whose insurance does not cover immunizations. 

No one is turned away for inability to pay.

Public Health Community Immunization Clinics

          LOCATION                                                              SCHEDULE                                      TIME

        Weekly in San Andreas

          Public Health Department                                   Mondays                                           3:00 PM – 5:30 PM

          700 Mountain Ranch Road                                  Thursdays                                         8:00 AM - Noon

          Suite C-2

        Monthly in Valley Springs

          United Methodist Church                                     3^rd Tuesday                                       3:00 pm – 5:30 pm

          135 Laurel Street

For more information, please call the Public Health Department at 754.6460 or visit our

website at www.calaveraspublichealth.com.