Health officials get to point

By Sara Kashing/Enterprise staff writer

Before heading to school, Yolo County children need more than just supplies. Unless excused by a doctor for medical reasons or by a parent due to personal and religious beliefs, California law requires that children attending school or child care are immunized and up-to-date on all shots.

Children who are not vaccinated run the risk of contracting life-threatening diseases such as measles, chickenpox and whooping cough, said Pat Armstrong, health and safety supervisor for CommuniCare Health Centers.

"We can't stop these terrible diseases from coming into our community without help," she said. "We've set systems in place to make the immunization process as easy as possible."

Most children need measles/mumps/rubella, tetanus/diphtheria, hepatitis and polio booster shots, as well as a chickenpox vaccination, before starting kindergarten. Entering seventh-graders typically need a hepatitis series.

For families who cannot afford the cost of shots, vaccinations are usually free.

"They're free to everyone who qualifies and low-income families typically qualify," Armstrong said.

When registering children for school, parents or guardians must have immunization records that show the dates on which each required shot was given.

Immunization records list shots by type. Those who have no vaccination records or are simply unsure whether their records are complete should call their family doctor or the Yolo County Health Department, 666-8645.

If a child has recently received a vaccine, but will need additional shots later in the year, schools will allow him to register provided that he gets the next dose of shots when it becomes due.

Although vaccinations do not prevent children from getting minor illnesses like colds, they can keep children safe from many serious diseases, Armstrong said.

"Vaccines give the body an opportunity to develop resistance to diseases because they teach the immune system how to recognize and fight viruses before an infection occurs," she said.

Given that immunizations are an important public health issue, people need to make sure they have all the information before deciding against them, Armstrong said.

"Parents and guardians have to take responsibility not only for the sake of their own children, but for the sake of everyone in our community," she said. "It's when we stop vaccinating against diseases that many more people become infected."

Despite conflicting reports, all vaccinations that are given in the United States have been thoroughly tested for safety, she said.

"There are a lot of myths about vaccinations that prevail in our community. But, studies show that serious side-effects are rare. Most children usually have a slight fever or be sleepy after getting their shots," Armstrong said.

Children who have a minor cold or fever can still get vaccinated, as can children who are taking antibiotics.

Although no cases of vaccine-preventable diseases have been reported to the Yolo County Health Department this year, that does not mean the diseases do not exist here, said Vernette Marsh, supervising public health nurse and immunization coordinator for Yolo County. In 2001, the Health Department recorded five cases of Hepatitis A, 21 cases of Hepatitis B, four cases of meningitis and one case of whooping cough.

Approximately 78 percent of children under the age of 2 have received their basic shots in Yolo County, Marsh said.

"We'd like to see that increase to at least 90 percent," she said. "But, a recent upswell of parents objecting to immunizations is making that goal difficult.

"I think it's hard for those parents to understand how dangerous these diseases actually are. To get a better sense of why vaccinations are necessary, they should ask their parents and grandparents to tell them what it was like to live with these awful diseases. I bet they'd give them something to think about."

While most people may think shots are just for little kids, people between the ages of 11 and 19 still need vaccinations, Armstrong said.

"Immunizations are really a lifelong issue. Children aren't the only ones who need them," she said.

When taking their child to a doctor or clinic for shots, parents should:

n Bring all immunization records;

n Read vaccine information statements;

n Ask questions;

n Bring along an item that will comfort the child; and

n Stay calm.

Toddlers should be reassured honestly, Armstrong said.

"I used to tell my kids that they were going to the doctor," she said. "I think it's a good idea for parents to tell the kids the truth. That way, they are better prepared for their visit."

Gently touching a child and talking to them soothingly are often effective ways to comfort a child who is receiving a shot.

"We usually have parents hold their children in their laps. If they can provide a distraction, that usually makes things easier for the child," she said.

After a shot has been given, children should be reassured that everything is OK, Armstrong said.

Once at home, parents should mark the next appointment on their calendars and review vaccination statements for a list of possible reactions.

CommuniCare staff members monitor records to make certain the clinic's patients receive all necessary shots. The Davis Community Clinic gives approximately 2,500 shots to children in Yolo County each year.

"We try really hard not to allow children to slip through the cracks," Armstrong said.

CommuniCare Health Centers is a nonprofit organization of six community clinics that offer medical, dental and vision care, substance abuse treatment, health education and outreach services. Staffed in part by volunteer health care providers and patient assistants, the organization offers these services for Yolo County residents who cannot afford the full cost of care and have no health insurance.

During September, CommuniCare clinics will be offering vaccinations Mondays through Fridays. Call the Davis Community Clinic, 758-2060, to find out specific dates for each of the three immunization locations.

For information on immunizations, visit www.yolocounty.org

-- Reach Sara Kashing at skashing@davisenterprise.net

Wednesday, August 21, 2002