Immunizations
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If you are looking for information on WIC, STD clinics, or the Jackson County Free Health Clinic, please visit Jackson County Health Department's website at http://www.jacohd.org/.
Immunizations
Disease prevention is the key to public health. It is always better to prevent a disease than to treat it. Vaccines prevent disease in the people who receive them and protect those who come into contact with unvaccinated individuals. Vaccines are responsible for the control of many infectious diseases that were once common in this country, including polio, measles, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), rubella (German measles), mumps, tetanus, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
Infants, children, and adults all need immunizations. To see what vaccine is needed for each age group, choose the appropriate immunization schedule below.
Childhood Immunization Schedule
Adolescent Immunization Schedule
For routine childhood immunizations, please contact your doctor or healthcare professional. For assistance in finding a healthcare professional, please call 816-325-7186.
Tdap and DTaP Immunizations
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a disease that spreads easily from person to person by coughing and sneezing. Pertussis can be very serious for babies. It is important to protect yourself and to protect your child by getting vaccinated.
Tdap is a “booster” vaccine used for preventing pertussis (whooping cough), diphtheria, and tetanus in both adolescents and adults. The vaccine is given as a single, one-time injection into the upper arm.
The best way to prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis is to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated with Tdap is especially important for families with new infants.The risk for pertussis death or severe pertussis is highest among infants in the first six months of life and remains elevated until they have received one to two doses of pediatric DTaP.
Pertussis vaccine is included in childhood DTaP vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. To be fully protected against pertussis, every child needs five doses of the DTaP vaccine by age seven. It is important to follow the recommended schedule because children are vulnerable to infection until they are fully vaccinated.
Tdap vaccine can protect adolescents and adults from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. One dose of Tdap is routinely given at age 11 or 12. People who did not get Tdap at that age should get it as soon as possible. Tdap is especially important for healthcare professionals and anyone having close contact with a baby younger than 12 months. Pregnant women should get a dose of Tdap during every pregnancy, to protect the newborn from pertussis. Infants are most at risk for severe, life-threatening complications from pertussis.
Another vaccine, called Td, protects against tetanus and diphtheria, but not pertussis. A Td booster should be given every 10 years. Tdap may be given as one of these boosters if you have never gotten Tdap before. Tdap may also be given after a severe cut or burn to prevent tetanus infection. Your healthcare provider can give you more information or you can call the Health Department at 816-325-7188.
Tdap pamphlet for parents
Childcare Immunization Ordinance
In August 2003, the City of Independence Health Department passed the Childcare Immunization Ordinance; this ordinance was enacted to enforce the Missouri State Law (Section 210.003 RSMo) requirements on immunizations for childcare facilities. Children cannot attend a childcare facility unless they are properly immunized and can provide evidence of the immunization (immunization record), or have proper exemption or in-progress documentation.
The ordinance also serves to improve and maintain immunization rates in Independence childcare facilities, assist in the prevention and control of vaccine-preventable diseases and to educate childcare providers on methods to maintain immunization rates thus promoting accountability.
An immunization record must be on file at the center for every child before they can be accepted for care.
The Childcare Immunization Ordinance has had the following impact on the community:
- Improved immunization rates in childcare facilities
- Improved immunizations record keeping methods and accuracy
- An increased understanding of the importance of immunizations, surveillance, and reporting in childcare facilities
- Increased educational opportunities for providers and parents
In 2006, the Childcare Immunization Ordinance was recognized nationally as a Model Practice because of its impact on immunization rates in childcare facilities and the improved communication between childcare centers and the Health Department.