June 30 Summit County Council meeting
Covered by Documenter Brittany Nader (see her notes here)
August is National Immunization Awareness Month in Summit County.
Summit County Council made the proclamation at its June 30 meeting, where Summit County Public Health (SCPH) Commissioner Chris Barker stressed the importance of vaccinations for preventing the spread of diseases that can be deadly.
Additional information about vaccinations and where to find free or low-cost vaccines in Summit County was provided by SCPH Medical Director Dr. Erika Sobolewski.
Are vaccines safe?
Vaccines are very safe and undergo many years of research and development, Sobolewski said.
They are also effective at preventing the spread of disease and are one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from serious diseases.
When is the best time for children to get vaccinated?
The best time for children to get vaccinated depends on the vaccine, Sobolewski said.
There are vaccines for children based on age or birthday milestones, such as the polio vaccine, but there are also seasonal immunizations, such as the flu vaccine.
Is there anything new or that has changed this year concerning childhood and school vaccine schedules?
Both existing and new vaccines are assessed every year by various medical organizations and governing bodies, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Sobolewski said there are typically small updates to vaccines every year, but sometimes there can be big changes.
This year, there have been some changes in guidance that were considered controversial or confusing by some medical experts. As of late May, the FDA and the CDC no longer recommend annual COVID vaccinations for healthy people under the age of 65. Previous guidance recommended the COVID vaccine annually to everyone six months or older.
As a government entity, Summit County Public Health follows the CDC’s guidance.
Which vaccines are most important for adults?
The most important vaccines for adults depend on the person’s age and their risk factors, Sobolewski said.
Similar to childhood vaccinations, there are vaccines for adults based on age and on the season. After age 50, adults should consider getting a shingles vaccination.
Are vaccination rates lower this year compared to last?
It’s currently too difficult to tell if fewer people are being vaccinated this year compared to last year, Sobolewski said, because good data is not yet available.
CDC data from the 2023-2024 school year is the most recent available at the national level for vaccination rates among kindergartners. Vaccination coverage in the United States for this age group decreased for all reported vaccines from the previous year.
The vaccines were:
- DTP, DTaP, or DT (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis)
- Hepatitis B
- MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)
- Polio
- Varicella (chicken pox)
In Ohio, the vaccination rate for kindergartners during the 2023-2024 school year was 89.2%. The vaccination rate ranged from 88.5% for the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine to 93% for the hepatitis B vaccine. During the 2022-2023 school year, the vaccination rates were 88.8% and 93%, respectively.
What should you do if you aren’t sure about vaccinations?
Sobolewski advises anyone who is unsure about vaccinations to speak with a trusted healthcare provider.
SCPH also offers clinic appointments to discuss and administer vaccinations. Request appointments by calling 330-923-4891 or filling out a form online.
Where can you receive free or discounted vaccines?
SCPH offers vaccinations for the cost of administration. Vaccine availability is based on supplies and grant funding, but Sobolewski said they usually have some of the most common vaccines available.
Those interested in receiving a vaccine from SCPH can call and check on availability.Pharmacies and community health centers throughout Summit County, such as AxessPointe, Equitas and ASIA, Inc.’s International Community Health Center may also offer free or low-cost vaccines.
See Documenter Brittany Nader’s notes here: