Hot Topic: Be Wise: Immunize

Vaccines aren't just for babies and children anymore. Although it is the law that in order for a child to enter school or attend childcare he must be up-to-date with all required immunizations, preventing disease has a much wider focus. Vaccines have been approved to protect all family members including teens, young adults, adults, and elders.

Each year the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meet to evaluate scientific data and put together a table of recommended immunizations for children, adolescents, and adults. The Georgia Department of Human Resources uses these tables as a guideline for determining state immunization requirements for school and childcare programs.

Keeping Up with the Vaccine Times
Over the years, the number of recommended immunizations has increased. The best way to ensure that your child has received all of the appropriate vaccinations is to request an updated record of shots each time he receives an immunization. Keep the record in a safe place with other important documents.

Keep in mind that health checks are recommended for students before they enter middle and high school so that vaccinations are kept up-to-date. This is also a good time for pre-teens and teens to get important information about the dangers of smoking, drug use, stress, and peer pressure.

To better assist parents and providers with accurate immunization information, the state has also established the Georgia Registry of Immunization and Transactions (GRITS). Healthcare providers throughout the state enter immunization records into the registry. This makes it easier to determine what immunizations someone may need.
GRITS currently has information on more than 16 million babies, children, teens, and adults in Georgia.
For more info on GRITS, go to www.health.state.ga.us/programs/immunization.

What's the Cost?
Medicaid, Peach Care and most insurance policies cover vaccines that are part of the recommended schedule. If your insurance plan doesn't provide coverage for some of these vaccines or you do not have insurance, your child may be able to receive these vaccines through the Vaccines for Children Program. All county health departments and most pediatricians take part in the Vaccine for Children Program and can offer vaccines at no cost to qualified children 18 and under; however, an administrative charge of up to $14.81 may be charged per vaccine.

For more info on the Vaccines for Children Program go to: www.health.state.ga.us/programs/immunization.

The Scoop on Vaccines
Getting vaccinated is an important way to help fight disease so be wise and immunize.
To compare your child's current immunizations with recommended immunizations, or to access immunization schedules for all ages, go to www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules or call your county health department.

Coastal Health District Health Department Phone Numbers

Bryan County
Richmond Hill: 912-756-2611
Pembroke: 912-653-4331

Camden County
Kingsland: 912-729-4554
St. Marys: 912-882-8515

Chatham County
Eisenhower and Midtown: 912-356-2441

Effingham County
912-754-6484

Glynn County
912-264-3961

Liberty County
912-876-2173

Long County
912-545-2107

McIntosh County
912-832-5473

WWW Address: http://www.gachd.org/hot-topic/be_wise_immunize.php