Jeffco Health Department Update: 4/28/2021

Vaccination is very much on my mind. Jefferson County Health has been actively administering COVID-19 vaccinations for the past three and a half months. We have participated in training to store, handle and administer the vaccines. Scheduled appointments, provided education, set up clinics and administered doses. However, this is not the only vaccination effort I have been thinking about.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused barriers for some individuals in receiving preventative health care. Because of this, some individuals may have missed routinely recommended vaccinations. Vaccination is one of the great victories of modern medicine. Childhood immunization has saved lives and reduced serious illness in children. We can now protect infants and young children from 14 vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccination can also provide a shield of protection for those who cannot be vaccinated.

During the last week of April, National Infant Immunization Week is observed to focus on the importance of protecting infants and young children from these almost forgotten illnesses. This week serves as a reminder of the importance of staying up to date with recommended vaccines, the benefits of vaccination in protecting children and the dangers of vaccine-preventable diseases, especially to infants and young children. World Immunization Week, also celebrated the last week of April, promotes vaccination as a tool to protect people of all ages from disease. Immunization is a successful, cost-effective intervention that saves lives and promotes the health of all people, throughout their life.

Providing COVID-19 vaccinations has been a positive endeavor. Having a tool to battle the illness and loss of the past year has brought hope and wellness to our community. We need to continue to ensure individuals are protected against other disease for which vaccines exist. This will help us prevent outbreaks of other vaccine-preventable diseases; diseases that can also impact the wellbeing of our communities.

Now might be the time to reach out to your healthcare provider if you or a loved one have missed routine healthcare visits due to COVID-19 restrictions during the past year. Jefferson County Health Department will be partnering with Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Care Van during the summer to provide back-to-school and adolescent vaccinations. Watch for dates and times. Please contact our office at 406-225-4007 or 406-287-3249 if you would like to discuss your vaccination status or need a copy of your immunization record. Vaccines work for all!