FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, CONTACT: Joye Burt at 404-656-7994
August 3, 2009
ATLANTA – August is National Immunization Awareness Month and Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) Public Health Division Program Director for Infectious Disease and Immunizations Michelle Conner stresses the importance of receiving routine, up-to-date immunizations.
“As Georgians prepare for the upcoming influenza season and our youth return to school and college, it is imperative that residents protect themselves, their families and their communities by following the recommended immunization schedules for children and adults,” said Conner.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) credits immunizations as one of the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century. Because children are particularly vulnerable to infection, most vaccines are given during the first five to six years of life. Other immunizations are recommended during adolescent or adult years and, for certain vaccines, booster immunization are recommended throughout life. Vaccines against certain diseases that may be encountered when traveling outside of the U.S. are recommended for travelers to specific regions of the world.
DCH encourages all Georgians to contact their health care provider or local health department to make sure their immunizations are up-to-date.
“Vaccines are safe and offer effective protection from infectious diseases, which is especially important as we face the imminent threat of a pandemic,” said Conner.
This flu season, DCH is preparing to address both seasonal flu and novel influenza A (H1N1) virus, and urge all to practice the ABC’s of flu prevention:
A. Act to protect yourself through hand washing and other prevention measures to reduce transmission of the virus
B. Be considerate and remain home if you do become ill. Take care of yourselves and your children at home and follow the advice of your health care professional, and avoid exposing others
C. Connect with your trusted source of health information whether it be the CDC, your local health department or DCH. Follow the health updates as we approach the flu season and be aware of evolving plans regarding both H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines availability, and share what you learn with friends and family.
novel influenza A (H1N1) virus
By following the recommended immunization schedule and practicing the ABC’s of flu prevention, Georgians can guard themselves against serious or even life-threatening diseases, added Conner.
The childhood, adolescent and adult immunization schedules are available on the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/default.htm.
For additional information about immunizations, contact your local or regional public health department at http://health.state.ga.us/regional/directors.asp.
