Immunizations are one of public health’s greatest triumphs. With the exception of safe water, no other health strategy, not even the production of antibiotics, has had such a tremendous effect on reducing disease and improving health. However, vaccine-preventable diseases and deaths continue to occur among adolescents ages 11-19. Consider the following facts:

• In the United States, the highest rates of hepatitis A occur among children and adolescents ages 5-14, and most cases can be attributed to person-to-person contact.
• More than 80,000 new cases of hepatitis B are estimated to occur in the United States each year. Of these cases, 8% strike adolescents. The hepatitis B virus is 100 times more infectious than HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
• Worldwide, there are approximately five million adolescents and young adults are unprotected against rubella (German measles).
• Disease outbreaks occur when immunization rates decline. The potential for disease outbreaks is high in areas where substantial members of under-immunized children and adolescents reside.
• Chickenpox is common in the United States and virtually all persons who are not immunized are at an increased risk for contracting chickenpox in adulthood. The risk of complications and death from chickenpox can be up to two to three times greater for adolescents and young adults than children and 10 to 20 times greater for those over 30.

It is a common misconception that only babies need immunizations for health and wellness. Immunization is a lifelong, life-protecting community effort. Recommended immunizations begin soon after birth and should continue throughout life. By staying on target with recommended immunizations, we are not only protecting our families and ourselves; we also protect those around us who would otherwise be exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases.

Back to Top

The Summit County Health Department offers weekly open immunization clinics. There is no need to make an appointment during these times. If you would like to schedule an appointment at another time, call your local clinic.

The Summit County Health Department wants to remind all residents that if you are planning on traveling out of the country, make sure your immunization needs are assessed and your vaccinations completed in plenty of time to assure immunity. Most vaccines build immunity in approximately one week to ten days. However, immunizing against some diseases requires multiple vaccinations and may take six months or more to complete.

Vaccine needs vary considerably from country to country. Be sure to find out which vaccines you will need as soon as you know your travel plans. To find out which immunizations are needed for the region you will be visiting, visit the Centers for Disease Control Travel website at www.cdc.gov/travel.

Back to Top

Jean Paskett
Immunization Nurse
85 East 50 North
Coalville, Utah 84017
Phone: 435-336-3228
Fax: 435-336-3286
jpaskett@utah.gov

Back to Top