LA County Health Officials Remind Parents to Get Kids Vaccinated

With school districts gearing up for the start of a new year, county health officials this week 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."

Pomona Unified School District students started school today. Walnut Valley Unified and Rowland Unified school districts start on Monday.

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.

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.

--City News Service