Rubella, which is also known as German-measles, is a contagious viral disease that in children is usually mild; causing a rash and low fever that lasts for 2-3 days. However, if acquired by a pregnant woman, it can cause multiple birth defects and even death to the fetus.
Thanks to increased awareness and a rigorous vaccination campaign, the last endemic (local origin) case of rubella was reported in the Americas in 2009.
“The elimination of rubella from the Americas is a historic achievement that reflects the collective will of our region’s countries to work together to achieve ambitious public health milestones,” said PAHO/WHO Director Carissa F. Etienne. “Ours was the first region to eradicate smallpox, the first to eliminate polio, and now the first to eliminate rubella. These achievements prove the value of immunization. Quoted from an article presented by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Washington, D.C., dated 29 April 2015—
Bladen County Health Department’s Immunization Clinic is proud to play a continuing role in the battle to eliminate all vaccine preventable diseases.
Meet Jackie Dennis:
Jackie is Bladen County Health Department’s immunization coordinator. She has been with the health department for 11 years. Jackie is responsible for ensuring that the health department staff follow the current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended immunization schedules for children and adults. She coordinates and helps operate school-based clinics to administer required immunizations and performs outreach flu clinics. By working together to review immunization records and administering immunizations in a timely manner to the children receiving services at the health department, Jackie and the clinic staff have achieved an immunization rate of 99%!
Childhood and adult immunizations are given at the health department Mon-Thurs. 8:30-11:00 and 1:00-4:30pm and Fri. 8:30-11:00 am. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins will be accommodated.
Call: 910-862-6900 for more information, to comment, or if you would like to make an appointment.
Come meet Jackie in person!
Bladen County Health Department
300 Mercer Mill Road
Elizabethtown, NC 28337
Website: www.bladeninfo.org/department/health
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook/BladenHHS
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