PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY: GET VACCINATED!

August is National Immunization Awareness Month

NEW CITY, NY - - Do you and your family have all the recommended immunizations (shots, vaccines) you need to help prevent many diseases that could result in serious health problems?

Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert announce that August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a good time to remind residents that we all need shots to help protect us from serious diseases; they're not just for kids!

"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 Flu Clinic and the Adult Immunization Clinic (for eligible patients).

It's almost back-to-school time! Many vaccine-preventable diseases can easily spread in child care and school settings. Protecting your children from preventable diseases will help keep them healthy and in school. The Health Department's Child Immunization Clinic provides shots for common childhood diseases for children/adolescents enrolled in elementary through high school.

To make an appointment at one of our immunization clinics, or for more information, call (845) 364-2497 or visit http://bit.ly/2c31fKe.

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://bit.ly/2bsJFzZ.