For the Tomahawk Leader
LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) this week issued a release discussing National Immunization Awareness Month, “an annual observance held in August that highlights the importance of vaccination for all ages.”
“This month is especially important in 2021, as COVID-19 has disrupted the lives and health of all residents in Lincoln County,” LCHD said.
In the release from Monday, Aug. 1, LCHD said students benefit from in-person learning, noting that a return to in-person instruction this fall is a “priority.”
“The COVID-19 virus is far less likely to cause serious illness in children, but can be spread by them to other much more vulnerable persons easily especially if masking and other prevention strategies like physical distancing are not used,” LCHD stated.
Vaccination is currently the leading public health prevention strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic, LCHD explained, adding that promoting vaccination “can help schools safely return to in-person learning as well as extracurricular activities and sports.”
LCHD encouraged the vaccination of students to begin as soon as possible in order for them to be fully protected by the start of the school year.
“Starting now will help prevent spread of illness in school and keep kids that are able to be vaccinated from missing in-person class or other activities that they enjoy,” LCHD stated.
“Fatigue from thinking about COVID-19 is everywhere,” said Jennifer Johnson, RN Public Health Nurse. “Once vaccinated, you have much less to think about. Eligible kids won’t be required to quarantine from work or school if a known exposure occurs.”
LCHD has appointments for immunizations for children and adults who do not have insurance for vaccines and for anyone 12+ who have not gotten their COVID shot series completed.
For more information about regular LCHD vaccine clinics, visit www.bit.ly/2Vi0h8d.
LCHD will host Pfizer vaccine clinics at the health department, 607 N. Sales St., Suite 101, Merrill, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, Wednesday, Aug. 11, and Wednesday, Aug. 25. Register online at www.bit.ly/3grUqVX or by calling LCHD at 715-536-0307.
LCHD said it is not planning any more vaccine clinics after Aug. 25.
Visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/growing/ for more information on what parents should know about growing up with vaccines.