Most vaccine-preventable diseases are caused by germs that are called "viruses" or "bacteria." Vaccines help your body recognize and fight these germs and protect you each time you come in contact with someone who is sick with any of these diseases.
Health Department provides the following services to the community:
- Immunization information for parents, area schools, day care centers, private provider offices, and the general public
- Free childhood vaccinations to eligible children through the Center for Disease Control Vaccines For Children's (VFC) program
- Community outreach clinics to immunize groups at risk for vaccine preventable diseases
Immunizations appointments are available in our Mayville office. Please call 716-753-4491 for an appointment. Walk-ins accommodated whenever possible.
Vaccines
Because of vaccines, some diseases (like polio and diphtheria) are becoming rare in the U.S. Vaccination can prevent certain deadly diseases in infants, children, teens, adults and travelers of all ages. Like any medication, vaccines can cause side effects. For the most part these are minor (for example, a sore arm or low-grade fever) and go away within a few days. Vaccines are continually monitored for safety. A decision not to immunize a child also involves risk and could put the child and others who come into contact with him or her at risk of contracting a potentially deadly disease.
Why Vaccinate?
- Vaccination is a highly effective, easy way to keep your family healthy.
- On-time vaccination throughout childhood is essential because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.
- Vaccines are tested to ensure that they are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages.
To learn more about recommended vaccines for all ages and when they should be given, click here
Travel Immunizations
Vaccines may be recommended to protect travelers from illnesses present in other parts of the world and to prevent the importation of infectious diseases across international borders. Which vaccinations you need depends on a number of factors including your destination, whether you will be spending time in rural areas, the season of the year you are traveling, your age, health status, and previous immunizations.
More info
Passport Health offers vaccinations recommended and required for international travel. In fact, they specialize in these hard to find travel vaccines. For more information and to schedule an appointment, visit Passport Health's website.
Seasonal Flu or Influenza:
The flu is not just a really bad cold. The flu is a contagious illness that affects the nose, throat, lungs, and other parts of the body. It can spread quickly from one person to another. Anyone can get the flu and serious complications from the flu can happen at any age. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine. Everyone 6 months or older should get a flu vaccine every year.
You can't get the flu from getting the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine does not give you the flu. It stimulates your body to produce antibodies. These antibodies protect you from flu viruses. Once you get the flu vaccine, it takes about two weeks for it to be fully effective. You should not wait to get vaccinated.
Find more information regarding Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
COVID-19:
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus discovered in 2019. The virus spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Some people who are infected may not have symptoms. For people who have symptoms, illness can range from mild to severe. Adults 65 years and older and people of any age with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness. People should get COVID-19 vaccines and boosters to prevent getting and spreading the illness.
Find a vaccine site near you
