Why is Immunization Important?
One of the major goals of public health is to prevent disease. The development of vaccines to prevent diseases is one of the greatest achievements in the history of medicine. Vaccines have virtually eliminated many diseases that once caused death and disability. However, to ensure that these diseases do not return, immunization will remain an important focus of public health services.
What is the Immunization Rate in Carteret County?
According to the North Carolina Immunization Registry (NCIR) in 2007, 94% of two-year olds seen at the Health Department were up-to-date on their immunizations. Countywide in 2007, 78% of two-year olds were up-to-date.
What Childhood Immunizations Does the Health Department Provide?
We offer all the required childhood immunizations at no charge. We also provide many recommended vaccines for children and adolescents. There is a fee for recommended vaccines unless a child qualifies for the free vaccine program under Vaccine for Children Eligibility (VFC).
To be eligible for the VFC program, children up through the age of 18 must meet at least one of the following:
- Medicaid or Medicaid-eligible
- Uninsured
- Underinsured children whose health insurance does not cover the full cost of vaccination
- American Indian or Alaskan Native
Carteret County Health Department maintains and provides access to your child’s vaccine record on the North Carolina Immunization Registry. We are able to provide you with a copy of your child’s vaccine history if you have lost or misplaced your record.
What Adult Immunizations Does the Health Department Provide?
The Health Department provides many of the vaccines adults need based on their age, medical risk or occupational risk.
Does the Health Department Provide Vaccine for Persons Traveling Abroad?
If you plan to travel outside the U. S. on vacation, business or mission work, take time to become informed on health conditions in the countries you will be visiting. Carteret County Health Department currently does not have a travel clinic, but does maintain a list of travel clinics in eastern North Carolina which we can provide to you at your request. For more information, please call 252.728.8550. Another good source of health information before traveling abroad is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/travel.
Where Can I Find Up-to-Date Immunization Information?
For more information, please call Carteret County Health Department at 252.728.8550 or stop by our office at 3820 A Bridges Street in Morehead City.
For a listing of required and recommended vaccines for both children and adults, please refer to the North Carolina Immunization Branch website at www.immunizenc.org or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines.
