Orleans recognized for immunization rates for 19-month-olds
Provided photo – Orleans Community Health recently was recognized for attaining 100 percent immunization rate for children by their 19-month-old birthday. The following are pictured with a certificate of recognition: Jennifer Herring, operations manager for Orleans Community Health in Albion; Paul Pettit, director of Orleans County Health Department; and Bill Gajewski, administrator of Orleans Community Health’s Albion health care site.
By Nola Goodrich-Kresse
Public Health Educator for the Orleans County Health Department
We all know how important immunizations are to prevent illness and death, but did you know there are certain standards that are in place to make sure guidelines were followed correctly?
All local health departments are under the guidance of the New York State Department of Health Bureau (NYSDOH) of Immunizations and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for immunization practices.
In order to meet the standards the health departments are responsible for reviewing the immunization rates for healthcare providers in their respective counties. The Standards of Immunization Practice are created by the American Association of Pediatrics for all providers who immunize. The data determines the percentage of children completely immunized with their initial series of immunizations by their 19th month birthday.
In March, Orleans Community Health Center received a 100 percent rating for children’s immunization coverage by 19 months of age. This is an excellent example of standard of practice for immunizations. NYSDOH has a benchmark of 90 percent rating to receive their Certificate of Excellence.
It is important to make sure you and your children are up to date on all immunizations to not only protect you from harmful diseases, but also for those of you who are in contact with people who have poor immune systems.
If you are unsure what immunizations you and your family needs, talk with your healthcare provider to get up to date. There are also catch-up schedules to make sure you have what you need to protect your health.
Congratulations to Orleans Community Health of Albion for encouraging families to be healthy by meeting the standards. We encourage all healthcare providers to work toward meeting these standards as well. For more information about the immunization standards, call the Orleans County Health Department at 585-589-3278.
