Got mumps, measles, chickenpox? You don't want them; get vaccinated health experts say
ASHEVILLE - The latest data released by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services revealed that the religious exemption rate for childhood vaccines in Buncombe County increased for kindergarten, seventh and 12th grade for the 2022-23 school year compared to 2021-22. Meaning more children will be starting school this year without state-mandated vaccines for infectious diseases.
The Buncombe County Health Department is reminding parents and guardians to get their children vaccinated before school starts. The Citizen Times compiled a list of the diseases for which the health department requires children be vaccinated.
Parents and guardians have 30 days from the first day of school to turn in their up-to-date immunization records for kindergarten, seventh grade, and 12th grade, and students new to North Carolina schools, according to a Buncombe County news release.
"Once these illnesses begin circulating within a community, it creates unnecessary risk for those who cannot vaccinate due to age or other medical conditions," Buncombe County Public Health Director Ellis Matheson told the Citizen Times earlier this month.
"Given our high rate of religious exemptions to immunizations, this is a concern for our community. We want to protect all ages from preventable illness, and being up to date on your immunizations is one of the simplest, most effective steps you can take to create a shield of protection for yourself, your family, and the community,"
More: Student vaccine exemptions across Asheville, Buncombe schools some of highest in NC
What are the diseases?
DTaP: This is an infection caused by a bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and there are four kinds of vaccines used in the United States that help protect against it. This vaccine covers diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. The CDC website says diphtheria is now almost unheard of in the U.S., similarly with tetanus, with an average of 30 reported cases each year. Since the 1970s there has been an increase in reported whooping cough cases, according to the CDC.
Polio: According to the CDC, polio is a "disabling and potentially deadly disease." It is caused by the poliovirus and can be spread from person to person. It mainly infects a person’s spinal cord and can cause paralysis. While there isn't a cure for polio, it can be prevented with the vaccine.
Measles: This very contagious contagious disease spreads through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Measles can start with a fever, red eyes, runny nose and cough and is followed by a rash of tiny, red spots, according to the CDC. This disease can be prevented with the vaccine commonly known as the MMR ― which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. The CDC website says that two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles and one dose is about 93% effective.
Mumps: This disease falls under the MMR vaccine, and typically starts with fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite. The mumps component of the MMR vaccine is about 88% effective when a person gets two doses; one dose is about 78% effective (these percentages can range from the low 30s to high 90s), according to the CDC.
Rubella: Referred to as German measles by the CDC, this is also a virus. Most people who get rubella have mild symptoms at first starting with a low-grade fever, sore throat, and a rash that starts on the face and can spread to the rest of the body. The CDC says that rubella can cause a miscarriage or serious birth defects in an unborn baby if caught while one is pregnant. This falls under the MMR vaccination and according to the CDC one dose of the MMR vaccine is about 97% effective at preventing this disease.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): A type of bacteria that can cause many different kinds of infections ― ranging from ear infections to serious bloodstream infections. It can result in serious illness and can be deadly in babies and children younger than 5 years old, according to the CDC. It recommends that all children younger than 5 in the U.S. get this vaccination. Some of the most common types of diseases the CDC listed that are caused by H. influenzae are pneumonia, meningitis, and epiglotittis (swelling in the throat).
Pneumococcal: This is a bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus and can cause many types of infections, some of which can be life threatening. Some infections can occur in the lungs, blood, brain and spinal cord, sinus area and in the ears. The CDC says that vaccines are the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease. It can sometimes be treated by antibiotics, but some pneumococcal bacteria have become resistant to certain antibiotics — that's why the CDC recommends being vaccinated.
Meningococcal: According to the CDC about 1 in 10 people are carriers of this bacteria. Meningococcal "disease refers to any illness caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. These illnesses are often severe, can be deadly, and include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream.," the CDC website said. It's known to spread through spit or saliva and keeping up to date with the vaccines is the best protection against this disease.
Chickenpox: The blister-like rash that is almost impossible not to itch causes about four million cases a year and up to 150 deaths, according to the CDC. Two doses of the vaccine are about 90% effective at preventing it. Some people who are vaccinated may still get the disease, but it is said to be a milder version.
To learn more about these diseases and their symptoms, visit the Recommended Vaccines by Disease site at cdc.gov/vaccines.
More: Fast and fun facts to know about Asheville City Schools as 2023-24 school year starts
More: Asheville 1st day of school: What to know about menus, pickup times, safety protocols
Where to get vaccinated?
Most vaccines are available at pediatrician and primary care doctors' offices, local pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, health centers, health departments, and travel clinics.
Children who are uninsured can still be vaccinated at a low or no cost. This is through the Vaccines for Children program, which offers free vaccines to eligible children up to 19 years old.
Parents and guardians can determine eligibility by calling 828-250-5096, according to a news release from the Buncombe County health department.
Asheville City Schools posted on its Facebook page, reminding parents and guardians that one of the most important items on the "school supply" list is getting their child vaccinated.
"Let your kids thrive this school year by getting the right supplies, a yummy breakfast, and the recommended vaccines to keep them healthy," the post said.
With COVID-19 now at its highest since December in Buncombe County, and seasonal viruses on the way the health department says it is important to take precautions.
The Buncombe County Health Department is located at 40 Coxe Ave. in downtown Asheville and can be reached at 828-250-5096 to make an appointment for immunizations.
The health department also offers walk-in hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 8-11:30 a.m. and on Tuesday and Thursday between 1-4:30 p.m.
More information can be found on their website at Public Health - Immunizations (buncombecounty.org).
More: COVID-19 on rise in NC and Buncombe, new booster shot coming soon
More: COVID-19 at eight-month high in Buncombe County, but tests are hard to find
McKenna Leavens is the education reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at mleavens@citizentimes.com or follow her on Twitter @LeavensMcKennna. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Buncombe County Health Director: Get chickenpox, measles vaccines
