COURT HOUSE – Freeholder Gerald Thornton announced today that the Cape May County Department of Health will be offering low-cost adult and adolescent vaccines under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) program. “The Department of Health will be able to offer four important disease-preventing vaccines (Gardasil, Meningococcal, Tdap, and Pneumococcal) to County residents, regardless of income or insurance status,” said Thornton.

Health Officer Kevin Thomas added, “The federal funding for these vaccines is time-limited, so they will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis by appointment only. The Department has only a limited supply of each vaccine.” There is no charge for the vaccines, but a vaccine administration fee of $15 per patient will be charged.

Residents should call 463-5144 to schedule an appointment.

Available vaccines include:

Gardasil – This vaccine prevents human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cervical and other cancers in women as well as genital warts in men and women. HPV vaccine is important because it can prevent most cases of cervical cancer in females, if it is given before a person is exposed to the virus. This vaccine is routinely recommended for girls 11 or 12 years of age, but can be given as early as 9 years and is recommended for women up to age 26 if they haven’t been previously vaccinated. Males 9 through 26 years of age may get HPV vaccine to prevent genital warts. HPV vaccine is given in a three-dose series.

Meningococcal – The meningococcal conjugate vaccine prevents against a leading cause of bacterial meningitis and blood infections. Meningococcal disease is a serious and often fatal bacterial illness. Even when treated with antibiotics, 10-15% of people die. Of those who survive, another 11-19% lose their arms or legs, become deaf, have problems with their nervous systems, become mentally retarded, or suffer seizures or strokes. This vaccine is routinely recommended at 11 or 12 years of age, but can be given as early as 2 years for some people and through 55 years of age.

Tdap - The Tdap vaccine provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, which are three bacterial diseases. Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person and tetanus enters the body through cuts, scratches, or wounds. This vaccine is routinely recommended for adolescents 11-18 years and for adults less than 65 years as a replacement of one ten-year tetanus booster. Tdap is particularly important for persons who have close contact with infants, to protect them from pertussis.

Pneumococcal – The “pneumonia shot” prevents pneumococcal disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Pneumococcal disease can lead to serious and fatal illnesses, like pneumonia, blood infections, and meningitis. This vaccine is recommended for all adults 65 years and older, persons 2 to 64 years who have diabetes, heart, lung, or liver disease, a weakened immune system, or alcoholism. Vaccination is also recommended for persons 19 to 64 years who smoke cigarettes or have asthma. A single revaccination may be indicated for certain people. Another pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for children less than 5 years of age.

Certain people may have health conditions that would not allow them to be vaccinated. Check www.cmchealth.net for detailed information on each of these vaccines. If you have any concerns, please discuss them with your physician.

For additional information or an appointment, please call 463-5144.