The month of August basically means that school is out and kids are playing everywhere. We’ve got nice weather, lots of sun and probably some rain which is probably the perfect time for dormant diseases to get cozy for the school season. Immunization is important for all of us, especially our children. With school right around the corner most parents may find themselves running around trying to get their children immunized; the Jersey City Department of Health & Human Services is extending a helping hand and offering free immunizations for uninsured Jersey City residents!

“To celebrate the importance of immunizations for a healthy start and throughout our lives – and to make sure children are protected with all the vaccines they need – the City of Jersey City is joining with partners nationwide in recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month.”

The Jersey City Department of Health & Human Services, Child Health Clinic, 199 Summit Avenue, Suite G, Jersey City, NJ 07304 offers free immunizations for uninsured Jersey City residents Monday through Friday. Parents are strongly encouraged to vaccinate their children long before school begins, so as not to delay their start. The sooner a child is vaccinated the better he or she is prepared to begin school with a healthy start.

Schedule for childhood immunizations:

Preschool Children – Ages 2 months to 5 years – Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays – 8:30am – 10:30am

School Age Children – Ages 6 to 18 years – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday – 10:30am – 12:00pm

“There’s no excuse for not getting your child vaccinated. Children who don’t receive the recommended vaccines are at risk of getting sick – very sick – and getting others sick, too” said Mayor Steven M. Fulop. “Every dose of every vaccine is important to protect your child and others in the community from infectious diseases. Talk to your doctor or other health care professionals to make sure your child is up to date on all the vaccines he or she needs.”

Today’s childhood vaccines protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, including polio, measles, whooping cough and chickenpox. There are many important reasons to make sure your child is vaccinated:

• Immunizations can protect your child from 14 serious diseases before they turn 2 years old.
• Vaccination is very safe and effective.
• Immunizations can protect others you care about.
• Immunization can save your family time and money.
• Immunization protects future generations by reducing the prevalence of serious diseases.
• 

When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk and can spread diseases to others in their family and community – including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer and other health conditions.

Participating in National Immunization Awareness Month is just one example of Mayor Fulop and the Jersey City Department of Health & Human Services’ commitment to stimulating a Healthier JC.  In addition to the free immunizations at the Child Health Clinic, the Department of HHS is delivering information packets to Jersey City daycares this month alerting them about the immunization requirements for Jersey City children.  This will ensure greater health in our City and more efficient vaccination audits citywide.

Parents can find out more about the recommended immunization schedule at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents orwww.cityofjerseycity.gov/hhs or call the Department of Health & Human Services at (201) 547-6800.