Monday, August 21, 2017

Take the Adult Vaccine Quiz!

Vaccination is important for everyone of all ages and the need for vaccinations does not end in childhood. Every year 700,000 to 1.4 million people suffer from chronic hepatitis B, with complications such as liver cancer, which could be prevented if vaccination is received in a timely manner.

Unfortunately, not all adults are receiving the recommended vaccines, leaving themselves and their loved ones vulnerable to serious preventable diseases. According to the National Health Interview Survey 2014, only 20% of adults 19 years or older had received Tdap vaccination and less than half of adults 18 years or older received a flu vaccine during the 2014-2015 flu season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an easy multiple choice quiz that lets you find out which vaccines you may need. The recommendations for adults 19 years and older are based on age, health conditions, job, lifestyle, travel, and other factors. Click on the link https://www2.cdc.gov/nip/adultimmsched/ and take the quiz!

Once you get the list of vaccines you may need, bring the list with you when you visit your primary care doctor and discuss steps you can take to get up to date with your vaccinations. If you are a Montgomery County resident, low income, uninsured, and need primary care, you can contact Montgomery Cares Clinics through MC311 by dialing 240-777-0311.


Monday, August 14, 2017

Free Vaccinations Offered at Health Clinics for Students Entering Seventh Grade

We all need shots (also called vaccinations or immunizations) to help protect us from serious diseases. To help keep our community safe, Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ Immunization Program is offering free vaccinations for students entering seventh grade.

Montgomery County health officials urge parents of students entering seventh grade to be sure their students show proof of vaccination against Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) and Meningococcal meningitis (MCV4) prior to the start of the 2017-2018 school year.  Students not in compliance with Maryland vaccination requirements will be excluded from attending school until they provide documentation of the required Tdap and MCV immunizations.  The requirements are in place throughout the State of Maryland.

Free Tdap and MCV4 immunizations will be offered to incoming students at the following locations:

School Health Services Center
4910 Macon Road, Rockville
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

2000 Dennis Avenue, Silver Spring
Tuesdays
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
12900 Middlebrook Road, 2nd floor, Germantown
Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Thursdays 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

8630 Fenton Street, 10th floor, Silver Spring
Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

A copy of the child’s immunization record must be presented to staff to receive vaccinations.  For more information on immunizations, call the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ Immunization Program at 240-777-1050 or School Health Services at 240-777-1550.