LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles County supervisors Tuesday urged residents to consider flu vaccines for preteens and cervical cancer vaccinations for women.
The board proclaimed the week of Jan. 18 "Preteen Vaccine Week" to promote flu shots, as well as healthy eating and regular exercise.
"Immunization is safe, effective and the best way to prevent serious diseases," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. "I wish to encourage parents of preteens to schedule regular visits to your general practitioners."
At Tuesday's board meeting, scrolls were presented to Dr. Jonathan Fielding, Los Angeles County's director of public health, along with other officials from the health department's immunization program.
"It's very important that every teen get a flu shot," Fielding told the board, adding that teens and preteens are not only in danger of catching diseases, they are also transmitters of various illnesses.
"Preteen Vaccine Week" will run from Jan. 18 through Jan. 24.
The board Tuesday also declared January "Cervical Health Awareness Month."
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In agenda papers, board chairman Don Knabe said the monthlong effort was aimed at increasing awareness among Los Angeles county employees that cervical cancer is preventable with vaccination prior to exposure.
County department heads were encouraged to provide educational materials and to coordinate, and participate in, community outreach and screening activities during the rest of the month.
