County Health Officials Focus on Back-to-School Immunizations

By City News Service

As thousands of children returned to school today, county health officials urged parents to make sure their kids are up-to-date on immunizations.

"Many people in the United States have never seen the devastating effects that diseases like whooping cough and measles can have on individuals, families and communities,'' said Dr. Jonathan Fielding, director of the county's Department of Public Health. "The truth is that these diseases still exist, and every year, there are cases of measles, mumps, whooping cough and other vaccine-preventable diseases reported in Los Angeles County.''

Kindergarten students must show proof that they have received five vaccines that protect against diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, chickenpox, measles, mumps, rubella, Hepatitis B and polio.

New seventh-graders must have a single booster vaccination for tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis.

Preschoolers, older children and adults should also get vaccinated against infectious diseases, Fielding said, referring to a list of immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Preventable disease outbreaks in schools are rare because the majority of parents make sure that their children receive all recommended vaccines,'' Fielding said.

Students at Bancroft Middle School and Fairfax High School are among those who returned to school on Tuesday.
 
People without insurance coverage for vaccines can call the Los Angeles County Information Line at 211 or go to www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip for referrals to providers who offer free or reduced-charge immunizations.

- Karen Jordan contributed to this report.