Hays County Commissioners Court Proclaims National Immunization Awareness Month In Hays County

“If we stop vaccinations we will see a resurgence of preventable diseases,” Schneider said. “You never know where you will be exposed,” he said.

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – The Hays County Commissioners Court has proclaimed August as Immunization Awareness Month in Hays County and is encouraging all residents to ensure that their immunizations are up to date.

Hays County Epidemiologist Eric Schneider told the Court of the need to keep immunizations up to date to protect individuals, families and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases, noting that smallpox vaccinations are no longer required because smallpox  been eliminated. “Other countries are not as fortunate as we are to have vaccines that keep us healthy,” he said. “Polio vaccinations are still required because while it is considered eliminated in the United States, it is still a crippling and deadly disease in other countries.”

“If we stop vaccinations we will see a resurgence of preventable diseases,” Schneider said. “You never know where you will be exposed,” he said, referring to a college student who was infected with mumps while on spring break and who infected dozens of his fellow college students when he returned. Ultimately several hundred people were infected.

County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., noted that one of the responsibilities of the County Judge is public health. “Nature continues to throw new viruses and diseases at us; immunization is the key to public health.”

The Hays County Local Health Department and Live Oak Health Partners Community Clinic are holding a week-long vaccination fair August 7-11 for all children 18 years and younger who need vaccinations. The vaccines will be free for children who qualify. Adults are also encouraged to get necessary vaccinations at the same time.

As a special treat on Monday, August 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. there will be free games, prizes, books and snacks for children who receive vaccinations. Local first responders will be on hand with a fire truck, ambulance and SWAT vehicle at Anita Reyes Memorial Park next to the clinic at 401 E. Broadway St., San Marcos, so that parents can take photos of their children sitting in them.

Children from surrounding counties are welcome as well as residents of Hays County. Vaccinations will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. August 7-11 at the clinic. Adults are welcome to get needed vaccinations at the same time.