Tennessee Department of Health says Measles Protection important for all who travel outside the United States

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health is reminding those who travel abroad of the need for vaccination against measles.

Although measles was officially eradicated from the United States in 2000, it is still present in other regions of the world including Western Europe and cases continue to occur among Americans returning from foreign travel and among foreign visitors to the United States.

Vaccination against measles is extremely effective. [Read more]

A Pap Test and a Vaccine May Save Your Life

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Nashville, TN – January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and the Tennessee Department of Health is urging all women to get screened for cervical cancer in 2012. Cervical cancer is a silent killer that strikes without symptoms or pain until the disease is in the most advanced stage.

“The survival rate is almost 100 percent for women whose cervical cancer is found at an early stage. Deaths from cervical cancer could be decreased dramatically through the combination of vaccination and regular Pap testing,” Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, said. “We urge all women to get screened for cervical cancer and talk to their health care providers about ways to prevent and reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.” [Read more]

Immunizing your Infant: A Wise Investment in Health

National Infant Immunization Week is April 24th-May 1st

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health is observing National Infant Immunization Week this April by educating parents about the great health and financial benefits of timely vaccination. Children born in Tennessee today will be protected from 14 different diseases through routine vaccinations by the time they reach their second birthday.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has just reported the returns on our investment in childhood vaccines, stating that for every $1.00 spent to immunize infants, society saves more than $10.00 that would have been spent on the consequences of illness and death from these preventable diseases. [Read more]