Ocean Co. Health Department Urges Immunizations

TOMS RIVER, NJ — As the kids head back to school, immunizations are high on the list of tasks for many parents. The Ocean County Health Department, however, says they're something everyone should make sure they're up to date on.

The health department issues reminders every year as part of National Immunization Month. But with the recent measles outbreaks — 33 people were sickened between late October and mid-January, and 12 more were sicked during an outbreak in May — health department officials are stressing the message even more.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control, there have been more than 17,000 cases of measles reported in the United Sates so far in 2019.

"Protecting your children with the vaccines recommended by the CDC immunization schedule is one of the most important things parents can do to keep them safe not only from measles, but other serious diseases such as whooping cough, chicken pox and mumps," health department officials said.

Typically we think of children being at high risk, but older adults are the most vulnerable to many infectious diseases and illnesses — especially those that can be deadly, like flu and pneumonia. More than 36,000 people die from seasonal flu, 90 percent of those being people over the age of 65.

"Immunizations really do save lives," said Daniel Regenye, public health coordinator for the county health department. "While most of us associate this time of year with immunizing children for the start of a new school year, we have to recognize that older adults are often disproportionately at risk from certain infectious diseases. All seniors should speak with their healthcare providers about what immunizations are right for them."

The Ocean County Health Department is reminding people that vaccines are safe, effective and the best protection against so many diseases - from infancy to early adulthood and into old age. Getting vaccinated is not only protection for ourselves but can keep disease from spreading to our children, families and communities.

"Our goal is to continue to spread awareness about the benefits of immunizations. For vaccines to be most effective, vaccination rates must remain high," Regenye added.

For more information about National Immunization Month, or a list of immunization schedules, please visit the Ocean County Health Department website at www.ochd.org, and its new new website, Public Health is You Too, at www.phu2.org.