IMMUNIZATIONS

These are provided for nine, vaccine-preventable diseases: *diphtheria, *tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, *haeomophilus influenza Type b(Hib), and *hepatitis B. Influenza vaccinations are also available in the fall of the year. (Those vaccinations with an * are available for adults as well as children.) Review the Immunization Schedule.

For children who are not immunized, it leaves them at risk for contracting diseases which can cause a variety of serious health problems such as brain damage, blindness, deafness, paralysis, and death. Parents can protect a child from these dangerous diseases by simply keeping a child immunized. As of 1999, only about 85.9% of Missouri's children were properly immunized by age 2. Missouri's goal is to have 100% immunized.

Note to adults: If you can't remember when your last tetanus shot was, then you probably need one. A tetanus shot is only effective for 10 years and 5 years if you are injured or have an animal or spider bite.

For more information, call Sharon McCallister, RN, at (573) 748-5541 or 1-800-870-5541.