Putnam Officials: Don't Forget About Vaccinations

The Putnam County Department of Health recently released the following:

It’s getting close to back-to-school time!  That means it’s time to start thinking … are my child’s shots up to date?

Parents are preparing for the start of school, students are leaving for college and flu season is approaching. The Putnam County Department of Health is reminding parents that all children must receive certain vaccinations before they begin or return to school or day care this fall, depending on their age and school year.

“Vaccinations are the safest and most effective way to prevent childhood disease,” said Allen Beals, M.D., J.D., Commissioner of Health. Childhood vaccinations required for school entry protect against potentially-life threatening diseases including diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis B, pertussis (whooping cough) and chicken pox.

All children entering school must also show proof of having received a complete medical evaluation. Children in day care, pre-K or kindergarten through 12^th grade who do not meet the immunization requirements will not be permitted to attend school. The complete list of required immunizations is available at www.nyhealth.gov or by calling the Putnam County Department of Health’s Immunization  Program at (845) 808-1332. 

If you have not yet done so, check with your pediatrician about vaccines your child may need and make an appointment as soon as possible. Children up to 19 years of age can receive the required vaccinations free of charge at the Health Department’s clinics if they meet eligibility requirements. Vaccinations are also available to others for a fee. Call (845) 808-1332 for dates, times and locations of clinics.

The Putnam County Department of Health will be providing free flu shots in Putnam County schools for students and staff. Check your school calendar for dates and procedures. Public flu clinics will also be available for the entire population this fall. Information regarding the flu clinics will be posted on the department’s website beginning in September.

The Health Department’s mission is to improve and protect the health of Putnam County residents through prevention of illness and injury. For more information, please visit our website at www.putnamcountyny.com; or visit our social media sites on Facebook at www.facebook.com/putnamhealth  and Twitter @PutnamHealthNY.