Female doctor giving an injection to the patient during visit at the hospital's chamber.

Vaccines offered at health fairs

Recommended adult vaccines to be offered at health fairs

PRESS RELEASE
April 7, 2011

Garfield County Public Health will offer three vaccines to adults over age 18 at local health fairs in April: Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis); Menactra (meningitis); and HPV (human papillomavirus.) Each vaccine is only $10.

Garfield County Public Health will be present at all of the valley’s Health Fairs again this year. They will have an informational table, as well as a special space for adult immunizations. This is a perfect time for people to check on whether they are due for any vaccinations.

Tdap is indicated for adults of all ages. Many adults have had tetanus boosters, but the Tdap has only been available for a few years to adults. It is very important to be protected with this vaccine because our immunity wanes in adulthood. Pertussis, also known as “whooping cough,” is very dangerous to infants who have not yet been fully immunized. It is imperative that the adults around infants and small children be protected, so that they do not pass this serious disease on to babies. Often adults can have pertussis without even being aware of it, because they don’t become as ill as children. Parents, grandparents, and family members of young infants should ensure that they have had the vaccine. Adults need only one Tdap, and should receive it even if they have had a tetanus shot recently.

Menactra is available to those at highest risk for bacterial meningitis. These include college students or anyone living or traveling in large group settings.

The HPV vaccine, Gardasil, is available for men and women through age 26. It is a series of three shots over six months. HPV (Gardasil) is the primary cause of cervical cancer in women, and causes genital warts and anal cancer in both men and women.

If you have a record of immunizations you have received, please bring it with you to the health fair. Garfield County Public Health can take cash or checks only.

Health fair dates:
APRIL 2 7– 11 am GRAND RIVER MEDICAL CENTER, RIFLE
APRIL 9 7–11 am COAL RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, SILT/NEW CASTLE
APRIL 16 7–11 am ROARING FORK HIGH SCHOOL, CARBONDALE
APRIL 30 7–11 am GLENWOOD MEDICAL ASSOCIATES, GLENWOOD SPRINGS