Nassau County Reminds Parents of Importance of Vaccinations

MINEOLA, NY (TIP):  Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein remind parents that updating their children’s vaccinations should be added to their back-to-school list.  Vaccines offer the best-known protection against many life-threatening and debilitating diseases.

County Executive Mangano stated, “The single best way to protect our children and the entire community from these serious diseases is by ensuring age appropriate vaccinations.  Vaccines are among the safest most cost-effective ways to prevent disease and protect health.”

In addition to the State required immunizations for day care settings, schools and health care providers, the following are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: influenza, rotavirus, hepatitis A and human papilloma virus vaccines.

“Nassau County continues to see cases of vaccine-preventable diseases, including mumps and pertussis, added County Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein.  Protecting our children from preventable diseases will keep them healthy and in school.  Vaccines are recommended throughout our lives and are a proven and successful public health tool in protecting society from many of these serious diseases.”

Vaccines are recommended for infants, children, teenagers and adults based on many different factors including age, health conditions, lifestyles, occupation and travel.  Vaccination is a critical step in protecting those who are most vulnerable to illness – infants and young children, the elderly and those with chronic conditions and weakened immune systems.

For additional information on immunizations for children and adults, visit the New York State Department of Health website at http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization or contact the Nassau County Department of Health Immunization Hotline weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at (516) 227-9416.