SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—Summit County Ilene Shapiro and County Council declared the month of August as Immunization Awareness Month, recognizing the importance of immunization in saving lives and encouraging residents to stay up to date with their vaccines.
“Since their inception, vaccines have helped prevent and eradicate disease and have saved countless lives,” said Executive Shapiro. “In the aftermath of a global pandemic, we recognize now more than ever that vaccines are crucial to keeping our communities safe and healthy.”
Summit County Public Health worked tirelessly to inform people about vaccines and administer shots during the pandemic, vaccinating thousands of residents. Now, Summit County is investing $1.5 million toward additional lanes and shelter for drive-up testing and vaccination at Public Health. This expansion will increase Public Health’s capacity for current and future immunization and testing efforts. But even as public health emergencies are winding down, residents should stay informed about the recommended vaccines and the state of COVID-19. Local and state officials expect to hear about a new COVID-19 booster in early fall.
The United Nations estimates that vaccines save the lives of two to three million children every year. However, dangerous diseases such as polio, measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, diphtheria, rotavirus, hepatitis, and more, pose serious risks without consistent and widespread vaccination.
“Vaccination remains the safest strategy for avoiding hospitalizations, negative health outcomes in the long-term, and death, “said Public Health Commissioner Donna Skoda. “We now see diseases like measles and polio that are preventable with vaccines. I encourage residents to keep up the good work and get vaccinated!”
To stay up to date on recommended vaccines for people in your age group, contact your primary care physician or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
For more information about potential boosters for COVID-19 this fall, see Summit County Public Health or call (330) 375-2772.
