DENTON — Choptank Community Health System is recognizing National Immunization Awareness Month this August by urging parents to keep their children current on all vaccinations before the start of the school year.

“Immunizations are critical to the health and well-being of our children by preventing diseases that cause harm,” Choptank Community Health System Chief Medical Officer Patricia Karnes said. “As a provider, I understand how parents can be hesitant about immunization with the information found in the news or online.

“If you’ve been on the fence about vaccinating your children, or you’re preparing your students for school, now is a great time to talk to your provider. We can confidently answer your questions and share what the data shows to make confident recommendations for your child.

“Each child and teenager needs an annual well-visit to go over immunizations and more,” Dr. Karnes says. “Now is a great time to make sure updating vaccinations are on your back-to-school list.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) publishes immunization schedules with requirements specified by grade level at bitly.com/immunizationschedules, with vaccines recommended for children and adolescents based on age, health conditions, and other factors.

The CDC says on-time vaccination throughout childhood is essential because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are tested to ensure they are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages, a statement from Choptank Health said.

Some vaccine-preventable diseases like chickenpox and whooping cough remain common in the United States. The CDC reports seeing between 10,000 and 50,000 whooping cough cases in the United States each year, for example, since 2010. Whooping cough can cause serious complications, like pneumonia and rib fractures, for children and teenagers. Coughing fits can last for 10 weeks or more.

“Choptank Community Health System’s commitment to excellence is recognized with the nation’s oldest and largest health care accreditor, The Joint Commission,” the statement said. “Achieving Joint Commission accreditation is voluntary for the nonprofit, and demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement in patient care. Hospitals and other health care organizations like Choptank Health accredited by The Joint Commission meet standards and pass an on-site survey of their patient care processes.”

Choptank Community Health System provides medical, dental, pediatric, and behavioral health services in Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot Counties, and is now accepting new medical and pediatric patients. The nonprofit’s vision is to improve the health and well-being of people in the communities served by providing outstanding care experiences while being an exceptional place to work and make a difference, the statement said. Learn more at choptankhealth.org.