Kids Los Angeles - June 06, 2011
Your kids' wish list:
- Puppies
- Multicolored cereal
- Fifteen more minutes before bedtime
- Pertussis vaccine
Er, well, maybe they’re not exactly pining for that last one. But they should be, especially now that California is experiencing what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the
worst epidemic of whooping cough in 60 years.Fantabulous mommy that you are, you make sure your little ones have the utmost defense against whooping cough and the other serious illnesses vaccines help to fight. That's why you’re all over the site L.A. County has developed to cut through the Internet's information overload and conflicting opinions. Guiding you straight to the right options for your child's best health, the site is designed to keep you in sync with the new state law requiring all seventh through twelfth graders to get the booster for the upcoming school year.
When they’re kicking and screaming over the teeny, tiny prick, just promise ice cream afterward. It does the trick every time.
Call your doctor or clinic to learn whether your children's vaccines are up to date and learn more about vaccination by calling 211 or visiting
vaccinatela.com.
Be sure that dads, moms, caregivers, and grandparents are up to date on their whooping cough vaccines before being with your newborn
HEALTH ADVISORY: from County of Los Angeles Public Health
LOS ANGELES – There has been an increase in the number of meningococcal disease cases reported from different parts of Los Angeles County, with seven cases reported since mid-March. Meningococcal disease is a serious, life-threatening bacterial illness that can cause meningitis and blood infections. The Department of Public Health is monitoring the cases and is working with affected contacts to limit the spread of disease.
"The increase in cases of meningococcal disease in a short period of time is higher than expected. Last year, there were a total of 21 such cases," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. "It is important to know that the meningococcal vaccine can prevent two of the three most common types of meningococcal disease in the United States. Also, meningococcal disease can be treated with appropriate antibiotics if caught early."
Meningococcal disease is spread through close contact with an ill person’s respiratory or throat secretions, including saliva. It is not spread by casual contact or through simply breathing the same air as an ill person. Symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, and aversion to bright lights. Suspect cases of meningococcal disease require immediate evaluation by a doctor and treatment with antibiotics.
It is recommended that all 11- and 12-year-olds receive a meningococcal conjugate vaccine, along with a booster dose between 16 and 18 years of age. Currently, less than 50 percent of children in this age group are vaccinated. Certain high-risk children from two to 10 years of age should also receive the vaccine. High-risk children include those who travel to countries where meningococcal meningitis is hyperendemic or epidemic and those with complement component deficiency or functional or anatomic asplenia.
Young adults should get vaccinated if they are planning to live in a college dormitory. Adults requiring immunizations include those who are immuno-compromised, microbiologists who are routinely exposed to meningococcal bacteria, U.S. military recruits, or those traveling to countries where the disease is common. Check with your health care provider for more information on meningococcal vaccination.
The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Public Health comprises more than 4,000 employees and has an annual budget exceeding $750 million.
To learn more about LA County Public Health visit
http://www.publichealth.lacounty.govYouTube channel
http://www.youtube.com/lapublichealthSee Health Alert PDF
