Vaccination Awareness Month: Who Needs Shots and When

August is National Immunization Awareness Month and the Pequannock Health Department, which also services the Boroughs of and , is reminding residents of the importance of vaccinations.

Particularly as the new school year is approaching, the health department stressed the importance of child vaccinations for kids 6 and older. But vaccinations are available for people of all ages.

Children under 6 can be vaccinated for protection against measles, polio, chicken pox and hepatitis. Pre-teens 11 and 12 years old should be vaccinated for tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, meningitis and HPV (human papillomavirus), according to the health department, and teenagers should get a booster shot around age 16 that protects them against meningitis.

Vaccinations are important for adults too, according to the health department.

"All adults need a booster shot every 10 years to protect against tetanus and diptheria," the health department said in a press release.

Adults who are 65 and older should also receive a one-time pneumonia shot and could receive other vaccinations depending on the advice of a doctor.

The health department is offering advice to residents about vaccinations needed for the school year, a Flu Clinic and vaccinations against Shingles for older adults.

For more information, contact the health department at (973) 835-5700 x 135 or 109 or on the web here.