Listen to the Interview on Immunizations with Lisa Perkins, the Bear River Health Department’s Immunization Program Manager.
Why are Immunizations Important?
- We all want our children to grow up healthy and remain healthy throughout life. One of the best ways we can maintain our health is to receive all immunizations at the recommended ages. Immunizations are also called vaccinations.
- Today, most Americans no longer have first-hand knowledge of diseases like polio and measles. We tend to take our prevention success for granted and forget the tremendous suffering these diseases can cause. We must not let our success stop us from continuing to immunize.
- No matter the age it is important to stay up to date on all immunizations!
What Vaccines are Available to People?
- Vaccines are now available to protect children, adolescents and adults against life-threatening or debilitating diseases including: diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis), tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, varicella (chickenpox), human papillomavirus (HPV), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), meningococcal infection, pneumococcal infection, influenza (flu), rotavirus, hepatitis B, and hepatitis A
Recommendations for Immunizations:
- Early childhood is a critical time for development and establishing healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Babies are most vulnerable to diseases because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Therefore babies begin to receive vaccines at the earliest opportunity so that they will not become ill, or worse, die from vaccine-preventable diseases. It is incredibly important to immunize your child on time, every time. Vaccinating our children according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended immunization schedule not only protects our loved ones, but our entire community.
- “Back to school” is a good reminder that certain immunizations are required in the State of Utah for those entering Kindergarten and 7th grade. These vaccines are available at the Bear River Health Department.
- Traveling! Depending on where you are traveling, there may be travel-specific vaccines that are required or recommended. The health department provides travel appointments where vaccines are administered to clients. Visit brhd.org for more information.
- Missionary appointments for immunizations are also available at the health department to assist in receiving what is required and recommended for missions.
For more immunization information click here.
Immunization Services and Availability
There are now several locations in our community to be immunized – we offer immunizations during regular office hours. Other locations include; community health centers, doctor offices, and pharmacies. Insurances can be billed for immunizations. If you do not have insurance or this is not part of your insurance plan, there are still options for vaccines at no cost or a minimal cost to the customer.