Daily Press Writer
MONTROSE — It's that time of the year to register your child in school or child care, which means it's time to get the required immunizations. This year, add three more shots to the list.
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"The bottom line (of vaccines) is to protect them against diseases," said Cinda Uwing, immunization program manager at Montrose County Health and Human Services.
These three additional vaccine requirements are for pneumococcal disease, a second dose for chicken pox and tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap) — which is different from the already required DTaP (diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis), according to the board's press release.
The pneumococcal vaccination is a method of preventing pneumonia that is caused by a bacterium. Uwing said the vaccination has been used for several years and has been highly recommended for children in licensed childcare through 23 months of age. She said the vaccine has shown good protection and is in good supply.
A second dose for chicken pox is required because there have been some known breakthroughs, Uwing said.
"If we are going to do it, we should do it the best way we can and that is with two doses," she said.
There are different formulations for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine, Uwing said. Tdap vaccine will be required for all incoming sixth- and 10th-graders this upcoming school year and in subsequent years the schedule will incorporate other grades.
Tetanus is an acute, often-fatal disease of the nervous system caused by a bacterium that is found throughout the world as a normal element in the soil and in animal and human intestines. Puncture wounds caused by such things as nails, splinters or insect bits are a favorite location of entry for the bacteria.
Diphtheria is an infectious disease that strikes the upper respiratory tract, including the throat. It causes a sore throat and mild fever and leads to difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection.
Uwing said there had been a significant number of Pertussis cases in Colorado last year and it can be serious for small children, but older kids and adults are the reservoir for the disease.
Immunizations are specified according to a child's age, but with the added vaccinations, children starting school will now receive around 11 vaccines.
"You vaccinate kids and you cut down on the disease," Uwing said.
There is a help line for parent, who would like to immunize their children, but have no health insurance. By calling Colorado Helpline at 1-877-462-2911, callers may obtain a list of public health clinics offering free and low-cost immunizations.
The Web site, www.immunizecoloradoskids.com also provides visitors with information on immunizations as well as clinic locations.
A walk-in immunization clinic has been scheduled at the Montrose County Public Health and Human Services at 1845 S. Townsend Ave. in Montrose on April 18 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m. The clinic is in conjunction with the Montrose Country School District's kindergarten registration. The clinic is on a first-come, first-serve basis or by appointment by calling 252-5000.
There is a fee of $14.50 for one immunization and $29 for two or more.
Contact Kati O'Hare via e-mail at katio@montrosepress.com
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