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For Release Friday, 13th
March, 2001
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL
In anticipation of students needing shots for the next school year and with National Infant Immunization week approaching April 22-28, the Palm Beach County Health Department finds itself in need of Registered Nurses interested in working in its Immunization Program.
According to Barbara OMalley, Immunization Nurse Supervisor with the Health Department, Parents are beginning to think about registering their children for the coming school year and if history is any indicator, it wont be long before they bring their children for required immunizations to our clinics and mobile van. OMalley continued, We want to be ready with qualified individuals that can answer questions, give shots and help children to remain healthy by vaccinating against harmful diseases.
Nationwide, vaccination is at an all time high and diseases are at an all-time low. In Florida last year alone 86.6 percent of two-year olds had been vaccinated and in Palm Beach County about 95 percent of school aged children have their vaccinations current. Since the first vaccination was administered by Dr. Edward Jenner, over 200 years ago, vaccine-preventable diseases have been reduced by 99 percent.
After July 1, 2001 an additional shot, Varicella Vaccine (chicken pox), will be required for those entering kindergarten and pre-school. This new vaccine is 86 percent effective in preventing the disease and 100 percent effective in reducing the severity of the cases. (50 or less lesions).
Registered nurses interested in assisting in the immunization program full time or part time should contact the Palm Beach County Health Department, Office of Immunizations, at 561-840-4568.
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