Public Health has removed links to the CDC website due to concerns about the accuracy of some of its content. Public Health is replacing CDC resources with links to alternative evidence- and science-based sources of information as available.
Childhood vaccines prevent serious illnesses
Childhood vaccinations keep children healthy, prevent serious illnesses and hospitalizations, and save lives. Recent changes to federal childhood vaccination recommendations reduce the number of illnesses children are routinely vaccinated against. They also put communities at risk for lower vaccination rates and more outbreaks of serious, preventable illnesses.
The federal changes are not based on new evidence about vaccine effectiveness or safety, and they were made without the standard scientific review process. Clark County Public Health encourages parents follow childhood vaccination recommendations set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and backed by decades of research showing vaccines are safe and effective.
The AAP recommendations provide the best protection for children and our community.
Preventing respiratory illnesses
Respiratory viruses are still circulating in Clark County. Getting sick from influenza, RSV or COVID-19 can mean missed days of school or work and can lead to serious illness.
Visit the respiratory illnesses data webpage for the latest information on respiratory illness in Clark County. Then take steps to stay healthy and prevent viruses from spreading. Stay home when sick and keep children home from school. Wash hands often with soap and water. Cover coughs and sneezes. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. And avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Bat season is here
Bats are the primary animal that carries rabies in Washington. During the spring and summer, when they’re most active, people may be more likely to find one in their living spaces.
Never touch a bat with bare hands and teach children to never touch them. People who think they may have been bitten, scratched, or had direct contact with a bat should make sure they’re no longer in the same space as the bat. If possible, close the doors and windows to the room where the bat is located. Then call Clark County Public Health.
Visit the Animal bites and rabies webpage to learn more.
Reduce mosquito breeding
Warm weather brings mosquitoes – and the diseases they can spread. Taking a few minutes to remove standing water around the yard can help reduce mosquito populations in the neighborhood.
Drain water from old tires, flowerpots, buckets, tarps, and wheelbarrows. Refresh water in bird baths, ponds, wading pools, pet bowls, and animal troughs at least twice a week. Repair leaking faucets and sprinklers, clean out gutters, and keep swimming pools properly maintained. Remember to check hidden spots, such as under bushes, for containers or debris that can collect water.
Choose permitted vendors
Choosing to buy food from a permitted vendor means the food was prepared in a kitchen with equipment and facilities needed to safely prepare food. It also means the staff preparing the food have received food safety training, and the kitchens are being regularly inspected by Clark County Public Health.
Before buying food from a vendor, look for a posted permit or ask to see the permit. If they don’t have a permit, don’t risk it. Choose to buy from a permitted vendor taking steps to keep food safe.
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