Pennsylvanians urged to get current on shots - Reading Eagle

Harrisburg, PA —

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is encouraging people to get vaccinated, particularly against measles and other serious illnesses, such as mumps and hepatitis, which can be life-threatening.

“It is essential that all Pennsylvanians from infants to older adults are up to date on all recommended immunizations,” Dr. Rachel Levine, who leads the department, said in a news release last week. “Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect yourself from serious, life-threatening diseases. Getting your vaccinations can help protect those around you, including those with compromised immune systems who cannot get vaccinated.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 695 individual cases of measles had been confirmed in 22 states as of Wednesday afternoon, a 25-year high; Pennsylvania was not among them. A mumps outbreak that began at Temple University and rose to 106 cases in Philadelphia last month was among more than 400 confirmed infections reported this year in 34 states and the District of Columbia, the CDC said.

The state Department of Health said vaccines are recommended for adults to prevent serious diseases such as hepatitis, the flu, pneumonia, shingles and whooping cough. Other vaccine recommendations vary based on age, lifestyle, medical conditions, occupation, past vaccinations and travel destinations.

The Department of Health offers immunization clinics year-round across the state. Any child or adult who does not have insurance coverage or if insurance does not cover the necessary vaccinations and meets the requirements can get their vaccines at one of the state health centers or local health departments.

Anyone looking to visit a local immunization clinic to receive vaccinations is encourage to call877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258) to schedule an appointment. Have your vaccination records available. A parent or legal guardian must accompany a child receiving vaccinations.

“Staying current with your immunizations is an important step to protect yourself and your loved ones against serious diseases,” Levine said. “Immunizations provide protection that is needed by both children and adults to help them stay as healthy as possible.”

Jozwiak to host session on fishing and boating

State Rep. Barry Jozwiak, a Bern Township Republican, invites the public to an informational meeting about fishing and boating opportunities in Berks County. The meeting will be held Thursday, May 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Berks County Agricultural Center, 1238 County Welfare Road in Bern Township.

“We are blessed to have a lot of outdoor opportunities in our area,” Jozwiak said in a written statement. “This meeting will provide valuable information to anglers, boaters and others who enjoy the outdoors.”

The meeting is hosted in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Space is limited. Reservations are required. RSVP by calling Jozwiak's district office at 610-378-4407.

Seeking to let students carry medicine in school

State Sen. John Blake, a Lackawanna County Democrat, recently reintroduced a bill to issue kids a license to carry medicine for adrenal insufficiency.

It is a hormonal disorder that occurs when an individual's adrenal glands do not produce enough adrenal hormones­. School-age children with the disorder can have an adrenal crisis without warning. When it happens, there is little time to react.

The failure to administer medication almost immediately is life-threatening, Blake wrote in a memo seeking supprt for the bill. Adults with the disorder often carry their medication with them, while school children, by law, cannot.

Blake's bill would require schools to develop a written policy for the storage, possession and self-administration of adrenal insufficiency medications in cases of adrenal crisis, just as current law requires such policies for asthma inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors or EpiPens.

The departments of Health and Education would be required to provide technical assistance to schools and publicly-accessible information regarding the administration of such medication. Also, a school could authorize a trained employee to administer medication.

It would require a note from the doctor and cooperation with the school nurse.

The bill has seven co-sponsors, including state Sen. Judy Schwank, a Ruscombmanor Township Democrat.

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