Douglas County Health Department Works with Pharmacies on Vaccine Campaign

The University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Public Health and College of Pharmacy and the Douglas County Health Department (www.douglascountyhealth.com) have launched an information campaign to let parents know that vaccines can be given to children nine years old and above at the local pharmacy. The campaign is part of a two-year, community-based research study in partnership with CVS, Walgreens, and Hy-Vee pharmacies in the greater Omaha area. The goal is to increase awareness of this service, provide information about vaccines and improve the rate of vaccinated children in Douglas County. It is funded by a $300,000 anonymous donation through the University of Nebraska Foundation.

Over the years, vaccines have prevented countless cases of disease and saved millions of lives. The three vaccines that adolescents need—Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), human papillomavirus (HPV), and meningococcal—can now be given together in one visit. A booster dose is needed for HPV and meningococcal at age 16. The vaccines are normally covered by health insurance.

The mission of the Douglas County Health Department is to promote and protect the public’s health. Learn more at www.douglascountyhealth.com or call (402) 444-7471.