Protecting the health of our children and communities with back-to-school immunizations
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Currently making headlines all over the United States, measles is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable illness that has made a frightening comeback. Fortunately, Missouri is not home to one of the current outbreaks as just one case has been confirmed so far this year in the state. This is occurring not long after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared the disease to be eliminated in the year 2000 thanks to a highly effective nationwide vaccination program.
As this new school year begins, parents and guardians need to ensure children are up-to-date on their immunizations to prevent diseases from being contracted and spread. Some children cannot be immunized for medical reasons, which is determined by the child’s physician. Unimmunized children are at greater risk of exposure to vaccine-preventable diseases, some of which can be life-threatening. To protect those who cannot be vaccinated as well as the entire community, it is vital that those can be vaccinated are vaccinated.
Missouri law requires that children in kindergarten through grade 12 receive immunizations to protect against certain vaccine-preventable diseases. This helps protect everyone: children, teachers, staff and the community as a whole.
“Proper immunization can prevent serious health issues that could affect your child and others,” said Dr. Randall Williams, director of Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). “In school, many kids spend the day in close proximity to one another. Vaccines help their bodies recognize and fight disease-causing germs that they may come into contact with.”
Children attending kindergarten through grade 7 are required to be up-to-date on the following immunizations:
· DTaP – Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis;
· Polio;
· Hepatitis B;
· MMR – Measles, mumps and rubella; and
· Varicella – Chickenpox
Children entering grade 8 are required to have two additional immunizations to protect their health:
· Tdap – Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (booster); and
· Meningococcal ACWY
A booster dose of Meningococcal ACWY is also required for children entering grade 12.
Although not required for school attendance, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice recommends that children received other age-appropriate vaccines such as annual influenza, human papilloma virus (protects against several cancers) and hepatitis A.
Vaccines help protect children against serious illnesses while continuously undergoing testing to ensure safety. The Missouri Vaccines for Children program can provide vaccines to children who are uninsured, underinsured, American Indian or participate in Mo Healthnet (Medicaid).
For further information, contact us at the Monroe County Health Department, 660/327-4653 today! ... See MoreSee Less
For Immediate Release:
July 17, 2019
Media Contact:
Lisa Cox
Chief, Office of Public Information
Missouri DHSS of Health and Senior Services
Lisa.Cox@health.mo.gov
Stay cool, stay hydrated, stay informed
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is urging everyone to prepare for summer heat by staying cool, staying hydrated and staying informed.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – The heat and humidity of Missouri can affect everyone, but can be especially dangerous to small children, the elderly and the chronically ill.
Each year many Missourians suffer from heat-related illnesses, some of which can result in death. In 2018, 19 Missourians died from heat-related illness*.
“As Missouri faces excessive heat forecasts over much of the state, it is important that we remain vigilant about the dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” said Dr. Randall Williams, director of the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). “Missourians have had to face significant severe weather events this year and now, as temperatures rise, we are again urging residents to stay safe and look out for each other. We encourage everyone to check on elderly family, friends and neighbors to make sure they are staying cool and hydrated.”
The elderly and chronically ill are often more vulnerable to heat and humidity because they perspire less and are more likely to be taking medications that can impair the body’s response to heat. Williams urges Missourians to use the state's toll-free abuse and neglect hotline at 1-800-392-0210 to report any elderly or adults with disabilities suffering from the heat and needing assistance.
There are a number of steps individuals can take to stay cool during the summer season including:
· Wear appropriate clothing—Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
· Stay Cool Indoors—Stay in air-conditioned places as much as possible. Local cooling centers can be found on the DHSS website at ogi.oa.mo.gov/DHSS/coolingCenter/index.html
· Stay Hydrated—Drink plenty of fluids regardless of your activity level and don’t wait to until you are thirsty. Avoid sugary and alcoholic beverages, these actually cause you to lose body fluids.
· Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully—Try to plan outdoor activity for morning or evening hours when the temperature is coolest.
· Pace yourself—Reduce exercise or physical activity during the hottest part of the day and take frequent breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned place.
· Wear Sunscreen—Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated.
· Prepare your Home—Change air conditioner filters, cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes or shades, and make sure you have portable fans if necessary.
Look before you lock: Especially in summer heat, the temperature of your car can quickly become deadly, especially for children. The inside temperature of your car can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes. Parents should always check the back seats of your vehicle before you lock it and walk away. Keep a stuffed animal or other memento in your child’s car seat when it is empty, and move it to the front seat as a visual reminder when your child is in the back seat.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness and how treat them is also important.
“Symptoms related to heat stroke or heat exhaustion can be very serious,” said Williams. “Developing muscle cramping may be the first indication that you are developing a heat related illness. Knowing the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke could save your life or that of a loved one.”
Signs of heat exhaustion may include muscle cramps; heavy sweating; cold, pale and clammy skin; dizziness; headache; nausea or vomiting; and fainting or passing out. If you think you or a loved one are experiencing heat exhaustion you should stop physical activity; move to a cool place—preferably air-conditioned—loosen clothing; and sip cool water. Seek medical attention immediately if you are throwing up, your symptoms get worse or symptoms last longer than one hour.
Signs of heat stroke may include high body temperature (103°F or higher); hot, red, dry or damp skin; fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; or loss of consciousness. If you think you or a loved one are experiencing heat stroke you should call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Move the person to a cool place—preferably air-conditioned. Help lower the person’s body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath until medical personnel arrive. Do not give the person anything to drink.
For more information regarding heat related illness and prevention visit the DHSS website or the CDC. ... See MoreSee Less
The health department is a cooling center. If you do not have a comfortable place to be during the day, come by the health department and enjoy the air conditioning. Open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. ... See MoreSee Less
