The County Executive’s Corner: Protecting Our Children Starts with Vaccination

Summer may still be in full swing, but as a father and grandfather, I know how quickly the back-to-school season sneaks up on us. That’s why now is the perfect time to schedule your child’s annual check-up and ensure they’re up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccines remain one of the safest and most effective tools we have to protect our children—and our community—from a range of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.

They work by preparing the immune system to recognize and fight off dangerous infections before they have a chance to take hold.

When you choose to vaccinate, you’re not just protecting your own child. You’re also protecting neighbors, classmates, and loved ones who may not be able to get vaccinated due to age or medical conditions. That’s what we call herd immunity—and it’s how we help prevent the resurgence of dangerous diseases that were once thought to be a thing of the past.

As Rockland County’s Commissioner of Health, Dr. Mary Leahy, recently explained in a press release, “When you are vaccinated, it not only safeguards your own health but also serves as a shield for those who are unable to receive vaccines due to age or medical reasons.” This collective responsibility is what keeps our entire community safer.

New York State law requires that all children attending day care, Pre-K, or grades K through 12 in public or private schools be fully vaccinated unless they have a valid medical exemption. There are no nonmedical exemptions. This policy exists for a reason: to protect our kids and keep our schools healthy and safe.

If you’re unsure where to start, here’s what I recommend:

•First, contact your child’s pediatrician to schedule their annual wellness visit. They’ll confirm that your child is on track with all necessary vaccinations.

•Second, if your family needs support, the Rockland County Department of Health offers free immunizations to children and teens through its Child Immunization Clinic. Appointments are available in both Pomona and Spring Valley—just call 845-364-2520 to schedule.

And if you’d like to learn more about vaccines or have questions, I invite you to visit the Department of Health’s table at this year’s National Night Out event at Clover Stadium on Thursday, August 14th, from 3:00 to 6:30 PM. It’s a great opportunity to meet our team and pick up helpful information.

The health of our children—and our entire community—depends on the decisions we make today. Let’s make sure we’re doing everything we can to protect them.