It’s that time of year again – summer vacation is almost over. Time for school shopping and eye, dental and medical check-ups for the kids. “I have been doing lots of back-to-school exams on my young patients,” Dr. Gabe Barrio, CBHA pediatrician said. “We start protecting our babies from birth and build on that throughout their growing up years.”

Immunization or vaccination, helps prevent dangerous and sometimes deadly diseases. “If all the immunizations are done at the times recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, a child is fully immunized by the time they reach school age.”

CBHA clinics keep careful records regarding a child’s vaccinations which makes is easy for parents to keep track. Area schools require that children be fully immunized when they are enrolled in school. Vaccinations required are Dtap and MMR (Pro Quad).

Dr. Barrio stressed that immunizations aren’t just for kids. “We adults need to stay protected against serious illnesses like the flu, measles and pneumonia.”

All adults age 19 years and older need a one-time pertussis (whooping cough) booster vaccine called Tdap which is a combination vaccine with tetanus and diphtheria. Whooping cough often starts like a common cold but then the coughing gets worse and coughing spells can last for weeks or even months. Adolescents and adults can pass the infection to infants, who are at a greatly increased risk of serious complications including death. This has become a serious health concern in recent years when infants contracted the disease from contact with grandparents, caregivers and the like. An infant’s immunity is low against such a powerful disease and they are at high risk of death from whooping cough. “If you aren’t up to date on your vaccinations, or if you don’t know where you stand, contact your family physician and they will help you get back on track.”

Dr. Barrio sees patients at the Othello Medical Clinic and the Wahluke Medical Clinic. He can be reached at CBHA by calling 509-488-5256.