Immunizations can save your child’s life . . . Infant Immunization Week is April 26 – May 3, 2014

Thanks to immunizations, children can be protected against more diseases than ever before. In fact, some diseases that once injured or killed thousands of children, have been eliminated completely and others are close to extinction– primarily due to safe and effective vaccines. Take polio for example, this was once the most-feared disease in America, causing death and paralysis across the country, yet today, thanks to vaccination, there are no reports of polio in the U.S.

Despite advances in immunizations, too many children in Jefferson County, Colorado and in the U.S. still get vaccine-preventable diseases. In fact, we have seen resurgences of measles and whooping cough (pertussis) over the past few years.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from January through July 2013, more than 11,000 cases of whooping cough were reported in the U.S.  Pertussis can be life threatening, especially for infants. Currently California and New York are experiencing increased measle cases.  Travelers, infected abroad, brought the disease with them and spread it among those in the U.S. who have not been vaccinated. Read this editorial on measles and its return to New York City and here is an article about rising cases in California.

JCPH urges everyone to be sure their children have the vaccinations they need. 

• Please call 303-232-6301 to schedule an immunization clinic visit at our Arvada or Lakewood offices. 
• For more information about the importance of infant immunization, visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines

Splish. Splash. Practice Healthy Swimming Behaviors

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) encourages healthy swimming behaviors to reduce the risk of recreational water illnesses.  Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs) are illnesses that are spread by swallowing, breathing or having contact with contaminated water from swimming pools, spas, lakes, rivers or oceans. RWIs can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including gastrointestinal, skin, respiratory, neurological and wound infections. The most commonly reported RWI is diarrhea. Diarrheal illnesses can be caused by germs such as Crptosporidium, Giradia, Shigella, norovirus and E. coli. 


Practice healthy swimming behaviors: 

• Refrain from swimming when ill, especially if you have diarrhea.
• Avoid swallowing pool water or even getting in your mouth
• Shower before swimming and wash hands after using bathroom or changing diapers. Change diapers in bathroom and not at poolside or near water.

EHS performs routine inspections of year round public and semi-public pools/spas. Follow up inspections are performed as needed. JCPH also offers a two-day course is designed to prepare individuals in the basic knowledge, techniques, and skills of pool-spa operations. 

Pool/Spa Certification Course 

• For more information about Recreational Water Illness Prevention and Healthy Swimming, contact Leslie Frank, Environmental Health Specialist at 303-271-5776 or email at: lefrank@jeffco.us
• Information can also be found on the Centers for Disease Control web site at: www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming. 

In some areas of Jefferson County, a substantial number of residential dwellings receive water from private wells. The department recommends that well water be tested for certain contaminants. JCPH Water Quality page

Are You Up-to-Date on Immunizations?

Staying up-to-date on immunizations protects our populations from serious communicable diseases. JCPH reminds parents, childcare and healthcare providers of the importance of preventing once common childhood diseases through vaccination. While many preventable disease levels are at or near record lows, there are still many under-immunized children, leaving the potential for outbreaks of disease. Many adolescents and adults are under-immunized as well, missing opportunities to protect themselves against diseases such as Hepatitis B, influenza, bacterial meningitis and pneumococcal disease. This is a good time to go over your immunization records and be sure everyone in your family is up to date.

JCPH has partnered with the Jeffco Public Schools to increase the number of children up to date on immunizations. JCPH has extended hours thru June 2012 to get kids caught up for the upcoming school year.  Call 303-232-6301 to make an appointment!


For a complete list of recommended vaccines, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/child-schedule.htm

• Jefferson County Public Health offers Immunizations at our Arvada and Lakewood locations, please call to make an appointment: 303-232-6301 or visit: www.health.jeffco.us
• Immunize for Good Colorado: www.immunizeforgood.com/

For more information and to take the What Vaccines Do You Need Quiz, visit:  http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/default.htm 

Getting to Know a Public Health Nurse

I’ve enjoyed giving all of you a glimpse into what a Communicable Disease Control Nurse does on a daily basis. As you can probably tell, many people are involved in the day-to-day tasks that help keep our community safe and healthy. Some of the most important people with whom we collaborate include our department’s Environmental Health Specialists. Not only do they participate in certain types of disease investigations, but they have expertise in a wide range of environmental issues. It is now my pleasure to introduce to you to Carla Opp, Environmental Health Specialist.