We're Halfway through Immunization Awareness Month

August is National Immunization Awareness Month,

Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert say it’s a good time to remind residents that everyone needs shots (also called vaccines or immunizations) to help protect from serious diseases.

“Talk with your doctor to make sure that you and your family are up-to-date with all your needed vaccines. They are among the safest and most important ways to prevent disease. Vaccines not only help protect you and your family, but also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases like the flu, measles, and pertussis (whooping cough),” said Dr. Ruppert.

The Health Department offers clinics where residents of all ages can get their shots, such as the Adult Immunization and Foreign Travel Clinic and the Child Immunization Clinic, which provides immunizations for common childhood diseases for children/adolescents enrolled in elementary through high school.

For more information call (845) 364-2520 or visit http://rocklandgov.com/departments/health/clinics-and-immunizations/. For more information about what shots you and your family need and when to get them, talk with your doctor, or visitwww.cdc.gov/vaccines/

Most health insurance plans cover the cost of recommended vaccines. If you need help paying for your children’s vaccines, a program called Vaccines for Children (VFC) can provide free or low cost vaccines for eligible children. For more information about the VFC program or childhood vaccines, call (845) 364-2662, or visit http://rocklandgov.com/departments/health/programs-and-services/immunization-program/