Immunizations can Save your Child’s Life . . .

National Infant Immunization Week (April 16-23, 2016) is an annual observance to highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and celebrate the achievements of immunization programs and their partners in promoting healthy communities.

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. View the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Immunization Rates and Data web page. JCPH urges everyone to be sure their children have the vaccinations they need.

Please call 303-239-7078 to schedule an immunization clinic visit at our Lakewood clinic.
For more information about the importance of infant immunization, visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines

Immunizations can save your child’s life . . . Infant Immunization Week is April 18 – April 25, 2015

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.

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

• Please call 303-239-7078 to schedule an immunization clinic visit at our Lakewood clinic. 
• For more information about the importance of infant immunization, visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines

Anti-vaccination movement taken to task over measles outbreak

From January 1 to January 23, 2015, 68 people from 11 states were reported to have measles. As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most of these cases are part of a large, ongoing outbreak linked to an amusement park in California. The U.S. has already seen a record number of measles cases in the past year, with 644 cases from 27 states reported to CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases in 2014. This is the greatest number of cases since measles elimination was documented in the U.S. in 2000.

Those infected with measles aren't the only ones suffering amid the ongoing Disneyland outbreak, as our partners at the National Public Health Information Coalition have recently shared, the anti-vaccination movement is enduring its fair share of criticism from the media. Here are just a few media excerpts:

Time magazine: “Less than two weeks into 2015 come the year’s first stories about the latest victims of the nation’s declining vaccine rate,” referring to the Disneyland outbreak. “And this time, ground zero is the self-proclaimed Happiest Place on Earth, which is in danger of becoming the decidedly less consumer-friendly Most Expensive Disease Vector on Earth.”

Los Angeles Times: “the anti-vaccination movement is a corner of the United States that is backsliding into medieval ignorance. Alarmingly, it finds a welcoming embrace in some of our most affluent and ostensibly educated communities, such as Marin County. Entertainment figures such as the starlet Jenny McCarthy and the talk show host Katie Couric have played their role in spreading the darkness.”

Bloomberg News: published an article about how measles may now be in the U.S. to stay, 15 years after it left.

Vox Media noted that this article, quoting Melinda Gates of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, topped its list of most-read articles. "Women in the developing world know the power of (vaccines). They will walk 10 kilometers in the heat with their child and line up to get a vaccine, because they have seen death," said Gates. "We (Americans) have forgotten what measles deaths look like."

Jefferson County Public Health’s Immunization Program urges everyone to stay up-to-date on immunizations, including the Mumps, Measles, Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Please call 303-239-7078 to schedule an immunization appointment.

It is Not Too Late to Get Your Flu Shot

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu shot, that is the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials nationwide. A recent study of influenza associated pediatric deaths in the United States supports those recommendations and just might compel parents who have waived their children’s vaccinations to reconsider. The report shows that flu-related deaths occurred in many healthy children and that most of the deaths were in children who had not received a seasonal flu vaccination. Read more here: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/spotlights/flu-children-impact.htm . Jefferson County Public Health offers flu vaccinations to children and adults. Please call to make an appointment: 303-232-6301. For more information, please visit our influenza web page.

Wonder if you have the flu or just a bad cold? Download our flu or cold brochure.

Love Your Pets? Protect against Rabies

September 28, 2013 is World Rabies Day. By keeping your pets vaccinated against rabies, you are not only protecting them, but you are protecting yourself and your family too. Show your pets how much you love them by honoring September 28th and getting them vaccinated.

The Foothills Animal Shelter offers rabies vaccinations for your dog or cat for only $15. Please visit their website or call 303-278-7575 for more information. The JCPH animal borne disease program works to monitor and respond to disease threats in the county. Please read our animal borne disease newsletter for up-to-date information and data.

Adults Need Immunizations Too . . . the Cocoon Strategy

JCPH urges everyone to be sure they are up-to-date on vaccinations, including adults. Back in 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began recommending the vaccine strategy of cocooning to protect infants from becoming infected with pertussis. The strategy works by protecting adults, family and caregivers and any individuals who come into regular contact with infants who are either too young to receive vaccine, or who are not fully vaccinated. By vaccinating individuals who are most likely to be around the infant with the pertussis booster, a cocoon of protection is established around the baby.

Due to an ongoing increase in reported pertussis cases throughout Colorado, Tdap is recommended for all adults, children 11 through 18 yrs, and for pregnant women with EACH pregnancy. This is especially important for anyone who lives with an infant and for childcare providers. To make an appointment, call 303-232-6301.

JCPH Immunization Webpage

CDC Pertussis Information

Sun Safety

At 93 million miles away . . . . You could Miss the Warning Label

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in the U.S. and it is preventable. Use sunscreen, cover up and seek shade.

·      Learn more and protect yourself: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/index.htm

·      Handouts available: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/publications/skin.htm

·      Skin cancer in Colorado

http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/doc/co_facts_web.pdf

Prevent Animal-Borne Diseases

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) reminds residents that with summer and warm weather upon us, so is the risk of contracting certain animal-borne diseases. Rabies, West Nile Virus, Western Equine Encephalitis, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, Bubonic Plague, Tularemia, and Colorado Tick Fever are all diseases that can be carried by various animals and insects (rodents, mosquitoes or ticks) and then transmitted to humans.

They are also more common during the summer when people tend to be outdoors more often and wild animals and insects are active. JCPH recommends everyone help control the presence of rodents and mosquitoes around their home; and, when heading outdoors, particularly to areas where wild animals and insects are active, wear insect repellant, appropriate clothing and protect your pets from fleas and ticks. Remember not to handle sick or dead animals or animal waste. A few precautions go a long way towards preventing animal-borne disease. To learn more about animal-borne diseases, please read our news release, brochure or visit our website.

2012 Public Health Champion of the Year - Linda Buzard and Margaret Huffman

Jefferson County, Colorado--Public Health is what we as a society do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our communities. Each year, during National Public Health Week, April 1-7, 2013, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) honors some of the many people it works with throughout the year that help to make our county healthy. While they may not have made public health their profession, the work they do, the partnerships they provide and their enthusiasm for protecting the health of Jefferson County residents makes them the 2012 Public Health Champions of the Year.

• Preventing Pertussis and Other Vaccine Preventable Diseases among Jefferson County’s Children, Jeffco Public Schools Health Services Director, Linda Buzard and Coordinator, Margaret Huffman 

Jeffco Public Schools and its Health Services Division play a key role in promoting the health and safety of children throughout the County. In 2012, the Health Services Division teamed up with JCPH to prevent the spread of pertussis or “whooping cough” in our communities. Health Service Director, Linda Buzard, and Health Services Coordinator, Margaret Huffman are 2012 public health champions for their dedication and hard work assuring that Jefferson County’s school age children are up-to-date on immunizations. 2012 brought increased cases of pertussis disease in the County and across the state of Colorado. As pertussis threatened the lives of some of our most vulnerable populations, the very young, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions, these two women made it their mission to protect children through immunization.

Linda Buzard has been a champion for improving immunization rates and preventing spread of communicable disease in the school district for many years. Her support of school nurse and public health nurse communication and collaboration is phenomenal and sets a very positive professional role model for her school nurses. This year, Linda was instrumental in getting Jeffco Schools to participate in the Colorado Immunization Information System. This system is designed to increase and sustain high immunization coverage rates by consolidating immunization records from multiple providers. She also selected JCPH Immunization Program as the recipient of community partnership funds to increase and enhance immunization services for all Jefferson County children. Linda invited JCPH public health nurses to present to school nurses at their district wide meetings and she also included the public health nurses in a celebration of Public School Nurses’ Week.

Health Service’s Coordinator, Margaret Huffman is also a public health champion for her work preventing pertussis and other vaccine preventable diseases in the County. This past year, Margaret committed countless hours meeting with JCPH Immunization Program nurses to identify barriers to immunization for students in at-risk schools. Her commitment to developing strategies and solutions and sharing resources in order to increase immunization rates for these populations is to be commended. In addition, Margaret’s responsiveness, openness to ideas and dialogue, and her positive and congenial demeanor have made her an ideal community partner and catalyst for action.

There is no question that these two public health champions, Linda Buzard and Margaret Huffman, have improved immunization rates among Jeffco school age children and reduced the spread of pertussis in the county. Jefferson County Public Health congratulates you on being 2012 Public Health Champions of the Year and thanks you for your contribution to public health in Jefferson County.

Wash your Hands, Get your Flu Shot and Stay Home if you’re Sick!

It’s the season for joyful celebrations with family and friends. It’s also flu season and a common time for the spread of disease and illness. Following basic public health practices during the holidays, such as washing hands, staying home if you’re sick and adhering to proper food handling and preparation techniques, can help you and your family from getting sick or from spreading illness to others.

You can also protect yourself and your family by getting flu shot. It is not too late to get immunized. Call Jefferson County Public Health to schedule your flu shot at 303-232-6301 or click here for more information.

Stop the Flu!

Get Your Flu Shot, Wash Your Hands, Stay Home When Sick

Now is the time to start paying close attention to protecting yourself and your loved ones from flu. While it is impossible to say just how bad the season will be, public health officials expect flu to be circulating and urge everyone to do their part in preventing its spread. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, on average 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal flu-related complications. Everyone has a role in preventing the spread and severity of this year’s flu season. More details at www.jeffco.us/health or call 303-275-7555.

Do You Know the 4 D’s of West Nile Virus Prevention?

The best way to protect yourself, your family and your community from mosquito bites, is to follow the four D’s: Drain, Dusk/Dawn, Dress, DEET.

DRAIN: Drain or empty standing water around your home and neighborhood, since that is where mosquitoes lay their eggs

DUSK/DAWN: Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing during evening and early morning (dusk and dawn) or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times when mosquitoes are most active

DRESS: Dress in long sleeves and pants during dusk and dawn or in areas where mosquitoes are active. Wearing light-colored clothing may also help prevent being bitten.

DEET, Picariden or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus: Wear insect repellant containing either DEET, Picariden or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

• Follow label instructions
• Apply repellants to exposed skin and/or clothing.
• Never use repellants over cuts, wounds or irritated skin
• If using DEET, choose the concentration that best fits the amount of time spent outside. 25 percent DEET lasts up to 5 hours, 5 percent lasts 45-90 minutes. Use a concentration of 30 percent or less for children.
• DEET should not be used on children less than 6 months of age. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children less than 3 years of age. 

JCPH Animal-Borne Disease Webpage

It is Hot Outside! Protect Yourself, Family and Pets

Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of extreme heat, and must rely on other people to keep them cool and hydrated.

• Never leave infants or children in a parked car, even if the windows are open. 
• Never leave pets in a parked car - they can suffer heat-related illness too. 
• Never leave infants or children in a parked car. Nor should pets be left in parked cars—they can suffer heat related illness too. 
• Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. 
• Seek medical care immediately if your child has symptoms of symptoms of heat-related illness. 
• Drink plenty of water 

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/extremeheat/children.html

Property Owners Take Charge

Mosquito surveillance & control for West Nile Virus in 2012
West Nile Virus (WNV) season is here and with the mosquitoes, comes the need for property owners to provide mosquito monitoring and control activities on their property. In past years, standing water on properties throughout the County was evaluated by a mosquito control contractor hired through JCPH and water was treated if mosquito larvae were found. Due to budget constraints, as of 2011, JCPH no longer provides this service. Eliminating standing water is the most effective way to stop mosquito breeding. If the water cannot be eliminated, the installation of an aerator to keep the water flowing is the next best step.   >> Brochure     How to Protect your Home.