With school starting back up, Texas Medical Association public health experts remind their colleagues that now's the time to stress the importance of getting children up to date on their pneumococcal vaccine.
That's especially true for kids under 2 years old and older adults, who are most at risk for pneumococcus, says Valerie Smith, MD, a pediatrician and chair of TMA's Council on Science and Public Health.
In addition to noninvasive diseases like ear infections, “physicians worry about pneumococcus because it can cause invasive disease spreading to the lungs, the blood stream, or the lining of the brain, which can lead to severe, life-threatening illnesses,” Dr. Smith said.
In Texas, nearly 2,000 invasive pneumococcal disease cases are reported each year.
Use TMA's public awareness campaign, Vaccines Defend What Matters, to remind patients Texans to get their children’s vaccinations updated and to get the flu shot this fall.
“The new school year is an exciting time, but in addition to new clothes and school supplies, it is an important time for families to make sure their children are healthy and protected from vaccine preventable diseases,” Dr. Smith said.
And check out these DSHS resources for use in physician offices.
Last Updated On
August 08, 2023
Originally Published On
August 08, 2023