HARRISBURG, Pa. – Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine emphasized the importance of vaccinations at the Department of Health’s Immunizations Conference Thursday in Harrisburg.
Levine stressed that vaccines protect against a number of serious conditions that can be life-threatening, such as measles, mumps, and hepatitis.
“It is essential that all Pennsylvanians, from infants to elder adults, are up to date on all recommended immunizations,” Dr. Levine said. “Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect yourself from a number of serious, life-threatening diseases. Getting your vaccinations can help protect those around you, such as those with compromised immune systems who cannot get vaccinated.”
“Vaccines are needed to protect infants, children, and teens from serious childhood diseases. Even if you or your child have not previously been vaccinated, you can get vaccinated now. Vaccine-preventable diseases can be very dangerous, may require hospitalization, and can even result in death. A discussion with your doctor or your child’s doctor can help determine which vaccines are needed,” according to a DOH release.
In 2017, state school requirements reduced the provisional period in which students could attend school without their vaccinations from eight months to five days. Staying up to date with immunizations provides the best protection against disease.
Vaccines are recommended for adults to prevent serious diseases such as hepatitis, influenza (flu), pneumonia, shingles, and whooping cough. Other vaccine recommendations vary based on age, lifestyle, medical conditions, occupation, past vaccinations, and travel destinations.
The release continued: “The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is a very important vaccine for all boys and girls ages 11-12. This vaccine is a safe and effective way to help prevent cancer, as each year more than 30,000 women and men are diagnosed with cancers caused by HPV.”
The Department of Health offers immunization clinics year-round across the state. Any child or adult who does not have insurance coverage or if insurance does not cover the necessary vaccinations and meets the requirements can get their vaccines at one of the state health centers or local health departments.
Anyone looking to visit a local immunization clinic to receive vaccinations should call 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) to schedule an appointment. Pennsylvanians should have their vaccination records available when they call to make an appointment. A parent or legal guardian must accompany a child receiving vaccinations.
“Staying current with your immunizations is an important step to protect yourself and your loved ones against serious diseases,” Dr. Levine said. “Immunizations provide protection that is needed by both children and adults to help them stay as healthy as possible.”
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