July 13, 2020—Please remember to complete your child’s vaccination series and be sure that all immunizations are up-to-date prior to the start of school this coming fall. Summer is a perfect time to bring your child’s vaccinations up-to-date.
Pediatric and family practice offices and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBH) are all open and observing precautions to protect you and your children from exposure to coronavirus.
Additionally, the CCBH provides free and reduced-cost immunizations to children ages 18 and under. You can schedule an immunization appointment with CCBH by calling 216.201.2041. Learn more about CCBH immunization services.
Review this Immunization Summary for School Attendance from the Ohio Board of Health for more information on required immunizations.
Childhood immunizations are administered on a schedule of multiple doses over weeks, months or years. Please note:
Vaccines contain dead or very weakened germs that cause particular diseases. They work by prompting the body to produce antibodies that recognize and fight the germ if the person is ever actually exposed to the disease.
Children’s immune systems may not be developed enough to produce the kind of lasting immunity they need for a lifetime of protection against communicable diseases with just one dose of vaccine. Additional doses can fine-tune protection, stimulating a stronger response to the germ and producing effective immunity. The Hepatitis B 2-, 3- or 4- shot series provides possible lifelong protection with a completed series of vaccinations. The DTaP vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) is another example of this.
Some vaccines are given more than once so that a greater number of people can be protected against the disease. For example, one dose of chickenpox vaccine will give a child 78% protection against the disease, but that number rises to 99% protection after the second dose.
Finally, be sure to inform your School Nurse of all new vaccinations.
Paula Damm, RN
Shaker Heights High School
[email protected]
Vanessa Exum, RN
Lomond Elementary School
[email protected]
Louise Haffke, RN
Fernway Elementary School
[email protected]
Paula Klausner, RN
Onaway Elementary School
[email protected]
Janet Meinhard, RN
Boulevard Elementary School
[email protected]
Iris Micochero, RN
Shaker Heights Middle School
[email protected]
Stephanie Smith, RN
Woodbury Elementary School
[email protected]
Karen Tritt, RN
Mercer Elementary School
[email protected]