As August arrives, families begin gathering school supplies, watching for school buses and filling their calendars with back-to-school activities. It's also a great time to review vaccination records, not just for school-age children, but for every member of the family.
Vaccines help protect against serious diseases such as measles, whooping cough and meningitis. Staying up to date on recommended immunizations helps prevent outbreaks, protects our communities and safeguards those with weakened immune systems who are at greater risk of severe illness.
Vaccines work by teaching your immune system how to recognize and fight harmful viruses and bacteria. Along with healthy habits like eating a balanced diet, washing your hands often and avoiding contact with people who are sick, vaccines are one of the best ways to stay healthy.
Our goal is to help keep children and families healthy all year long. If you're unsure whether you or your child are up to date on vaccinations, we can help. Call us to review your immunization records, or access them anytime through the Docket app on your smartphone.
For recommended vaccination schedules, visit the CDC's vaccine website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines. To schedule an appointment or ask questions about vaccines, call us at 417-256-7078.
The Howell County Health Department, 180 S. Kentucky Ave. in West Plains, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with a lunchtime closure from noon to 1 p.m. daily. Call 417-256-7078 or visit www.howellcountyhealth.com for more information.
