Back-To-School plans shound include required Vaccinations
June 20, 2017
Nashville, TN – To prevent the spread of diseases and to keep our kids of all ages and their classmates safe, healthy and in school learning, all students in Tennessee, from kindergarten to college, must have proof of immunizations before they can start school.
State leaders of health and education say it’s best to get those important vaccines now to avoid longer wait times later and to ensure a smooth beginning to the 2017 school year.
Immunizations Save Teaching Time, Reduce Misery and Save Lives.
Tennessee State Parks Asks Public Not to Move Firewood
May 23, 2016
Nashville, TN – Tennessee State Parks, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry and The Nature Conservancy, is advising the public of a new policy regarding bringing firewood into parks.
Beginning June 1st, Tennessee State Parks will advise visitors to use certified heat-treated wood. The new policy aims to prevent or slow the introduction of exotic insects or diseases into parks that could otherwise threaten the health of our trees and forests.
The emerald ash borer is one of many harmful pests that can reside undetected in firewood.
Spring Breakers, Mission Trip Members need Heightened Awareness of Mosquito-Borne Diseases
March 7, 2016
“Fight the Bite” Strategies Crucial in Preventing Illness
Nashville, TN – Across Tennessee, thousands of college students, members of faith organizations, healthcare professionals and others are planning spring or summer trips to warmer locations for fun and/or for mission work.
The Tennessee Department of Health cautions travelers headed soon to these warmer climates to have an increased awareness about diseases spread by mosquitoes and to make mosquito bite prevention an essential part of their trip planning.
Zika and Other Diseases Demand Awareness among Travelers
January 27, 2016
Areas with Warmer Climates Present Need for Increased Protection Strategies
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health cautions travelers headed to Mexico, Central and South America, Hawaii and Caribbean islands including Puerto Rico and other locations with year-round warm climates to have increased awareness about the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses and to take appropriate bite protection measures.
The cautionary message follows a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that all pregnant women consider postponing travel to areas where an emerging health threat, zika virus infection, is ongoing.
Zika virus, dengue and chikungunya virus are spread to people through mosquito bites.
Tennessee Department of Health says prepare for Ticks in order to Prevent Illness
April 16, 2013
Nashville, TN – After a record-setting number of Rocky Mountain spotted fever cases in the state last year, almost 700, the Tennessee Department of Health is reminding residents and visitors to start thinking now about prevention of tick bites.
“If the warmer weather is motivating you to be outside working or playing, just remember ticks can be found out there too, in rural and urban areas alike, and they are always looking for a free ride and meal,” said Abelardo Moncayo, Ph.D., with the TDH Division of Communicable and Environmental Diseases and Emergency Preparedness. “Tick bites should never be taken lightly; they can carry many diseases, including potentially deadly Rocky Mountain spotted fever.”
Deer Ticks
National Immunization Awareness Month
August 5, 2012
Washington, D.C. – National Immunization Awareness Month is the perfect time to promote immunizations and remind family, friends, and coworkers to get caught up on their shots.
Immunizations (or vaccinations) aren’t just for babies and young kids. We all need shots to help protect us from serious diseases and illness. Everyone age 6 months and older needs a seasonal flu shot every year. Here are some other shots people need at different ages: [Read more]
Don’t Move Firewood, Use Local Firewood When Camping
August 1, 2012
Sheffield, MA – If you’re going camping this summer, don’t bring firewood with you. Tree-killing insects and diseases can lurk in firewood. These insects and diseases can’t move far on their own, but when people move firewood they can jump hundreds of miles.
New infestations of invasive species destroy our forests, property values, and cost huge sums of money to control. [Read more]
Tennessee Department of Health tells Parents it’s time for Back-To-School Immunizations and Checkups
July 9, 2012
Nashville, TN – Parents working on checklists to get their children ready for the start of school have an important health item to include: required immunizations.
In Tennessee, children enrolling in school for the first time and all children going into 7th grade must provide schools with a state immunization certificate before classes start as proof they have had immunizations necessary to protect them and their classmates from serious vaccine-preventable diseases. [Read more]
Tennessee Department of Health says Don’t Let Pests Prevent Healthy Outdoor Activities
June 13, 2012
Nashville, TN – While ticks and mosquitoes are setting records for early arrival and rates of infectious diseases carried, the Department of Health reminds everyone that most people should not avoid healthy outdoor activity.
“Outdoor physical activity provides too many important health benefits to be cancelled because of ticks and mosquitoes,” said Abelardo Moncayo, Ph.D., with TDH Communicable and Environmental Diseases and Emergency Preparedness. ”It’s true diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever carried by ticks and West Nile virus carried by mosquitoes can be quite serious. Effective tick and mosquito-borne disease prevention strategies should be part of healthy outdoor exercise and recreation.” [Read more]
Tennessee Department of Health says Stay Safe and Healthy in the Water this Summer
May 19, 2012
National Recreational Water Illness & Injury Prevention Week is May 21st-27th, 2012
Nashville, TN – Memorial Day is the traditional opening day of many public pools in Tennessee and the unofficial start of swimming season. While swimming is a fun way to be physically active, recreational water can also hold viruses and bacteria that cause illness.
The Tennessee Department of Health joins in the annual observance of National Recreational Water Illness and Injury Prevention Week May 21st-27th to help make sure residents and visitors have a safe and healthy swimming season. [Read more]
