CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and the West Virginia Department of Education are recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month.
Dr. Rahul Gupta, commissioner for DHHR’s bureau for public health
“Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death,” said Dr. Rahul Gupta, commissioner for DHHR’s bureau for public health. “Immunization not only helps to protect vaccinated individuals, but also helps protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases.”
Childhood immunizations are available to children at more than 380 Vaccines for Children provider locations, which include all local health departments. Children who are uninsured or underinsured can get their vaccines through the program without a financial burden to the parent.
In West Virginia, immunization is required for children not only who are entering school in the state for the first time, but also pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, seventh and twelfth grades. To learn more about the program or specific immunizations required for school, visit www.immunization.wv.gov.
