LEONARDTOWN, MD (August 8, 2014) – August is National Immunization Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to highlight the importance of immunization across the lifespan. Immunizations are not just for children – they are needed throughout our lifetime to protect ourselves and those around us against preventable diseases. While most of us are aware that children need immunizations to protect them from serious diseases, many adults are not current with their vaccinations. For adults who were fully vaccinated as a child, the protection from some vaccines can wear off over time.
The St. Mary’s County Health Department will participate in a Health Enterprise Zone (HEZ) block party event Saturday, August 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jarboe Building (21161 Lexwood Drive) in Lexington Park. The following immunizations and services will be offered, free of charge, in the new Health Connections bus while supplies last:
Free adult vaccines, including:
- Shingles
- Tdap (whooping cough and tetanus)
- Pneumonia (for smokers, those with chronic illness such as diabetes, asthma, etc., people with weakened immune systems, and for people 65 years and older)
- Hepatitis A
Free child and teen vaccines, including:
- Tdap (for 7th graders)
- Meningitis (for 7th graders)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) – for boys and girls ages 10 years and older
- Hepatitis A
Free private HIV oral screening (no needle sticks) for anyone.
For more information about immunizations and HIV testing, please call the St. Mary’s County Health Department at 301-475-4330 or visit the website at www.smchd.org.