Pasco County Health Department officials encourage
families to be prepared for the next school year by getting required
immunizations out of the way. It is vital that families are aware of and are
following the recommended immunization schedules. “Immunizations are an
important part of disease prevention.” says County Health Officer, David Johnson
M.D., M.S., M.H.A. “If a child is not up to date on immunizations their body
may not be strong enough to fight off the encountered disease.”
Vaccines are responsible for the control of many
infectious diseases that were once common in this country, including polio,
measles, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), rubella (German measles),
mumps, tetanus, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Prevention is
always better than treatment. When planning for your child’s immunizations for
the next school year “Get your children in early.” encourages Nursing Director,
Carol Cummins, “The closer we get to the first day of school the busier our
offices will be administering shots.”
Currently, the Department of Health recommends the
following vaccination schedule:
· Diphtheria,
tetanus and pertussis vaccine (DTaP): Five doses by age 5 (One dose at 2, 4, 6
and 12-18 months of age and one dose at 4-5 years
of age for a total of 5 doses).
· Polio
vaccine: Four doses by age 5 (One dose at 2, 4, 6-18 months of age and one
dose at
4-5 years of age for a total of four doses).
· Measles,
mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR): Two doses by age 5 (One dose at 12-15
months of age and one dose at 4-5 years of age for a
total of 2 doses).
· Hepatitis
B vaccine: Three doses completed by school entry.
· Pneumococcal
conjugate vaccine: Four doses by 12-15 months of age (One dose at 2, 4, 6
and 12-15 months of age for a total of 4 doses).
· Varicella
(chickenpox) vaccine: One dose at or after 12 months of age and a 2nd dose
between the ages of 4 and 6.
· Haemophilus
Influenzae Type b (Hib): three to four doses (depending on the type of
vaccine used) with last dose past first birthday
As of January 2008 the Pneumococcal shot (Prevnar) is
required for day care entry. Families
should be aware that Meningitis and Gardasil (HPV) for
children 11 years of age or older are
recommended but not required.
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