Arizona Public Health Works to Improve Vaccine Coverage for Children
Vaccines are critical to protecting the health of all Arizonans because they help stop the spread of numerous dangerous diseases, such as measles and whooping cough. Not everyone is old enough or healthy enough to be protected with vaccines, which is why it’s so important that nearly everyone else in our community is fully vaccinated. This herd immunity – when [...]
National Increase in Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted an increase in reported and confirmed Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) cases in 2018. AFM is a rare but serious condition that affects the nervous system causing a sudden onset of arm and/or leg weakness. AFM has a number of causes, including viruses, such as enterovirus and West Nile virus, and a condition where the body’s immune [...]
International Infection Prevention Week
International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) occurs globally from October 14 - 20 and raises awareness of the role infection prevention plays in improving patient safety. The 2018 theme, “Protecting Patients Everywhere,” emphasizes how keeping patients safe from infection is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you’re in a healthcare facility or in the community, there are things you can do to help prevent [...]
Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2018
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, gender, or socioeconomic background. It happens among married or not married couples, those who are dating, living together, and partners in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence comes in many forms. The abuse may be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions [...]
Influenza is here and so is our new interactive dashboard!
The 2018–2019 influenza season has arrived in Arizona! Since the beginning of October, Arizona had 56 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza reported from 10 counties, compared to 16 cases typically seen at this time of year. This means if you and your family have not been vaccinated for this season, now is the time. The influenza vaccine is the best way [...]
We Must Stop Bullying
Thousands of Arizona kids will get bullied this month, and only 20-30 percent of those kids will report what happened to an adult. At the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), we are working to help kids stop bullying and share concerns with teachers and parents. This week, our Must Stop Bullying campaign is releasing new videos that will play [...]