“We all need immunizations (also called vaccines or shots) to help protect us from serious diseases. They help keep our local community safe and the Ocean County Health Department is reminding everyone, of all ages, of the importance of vaccines,” said Ocean County Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little, Liaison to the Ocean County Health Department (OCHD).

Daniel Regenye, OCHD Public Health Coordinator, said that shots can prevent infectious diseases like measles, diphtheria, and rubella (German Measles). There are people in the United States that still die from these and other vaccine-preventable diseases.” He continued, “Everyone age 6 months and older needs a seasonal flu shot every year. Other shots work best when they are given at certain ages, which are listed in recommended schedules published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“What parents need to remember is that their infant or child, although having started a series of shots, may not be fully protected until the series is done or when they receive a booster. We are recommending all adults receive a Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) as children are usually infected with pertussis (whooping cough) from adolescents or adults. Whereas in the past, all adults were encouraged to get their Td (tetanus and diphtheria) every ten years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging all adults, even those over the age of 65 to get their Tdap vaccine, even if it has been less than 10 years since their last tetanus booster,” said Regenye.

Leslie Terjesen, OCHD Public Information Officer, said that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Immunization Schedules for children, adolescents, and adults can be found by visiting its website at www.ochd.org. Click on Resources, then on Immunizations for Children, Adolescents, and Adults.