August marks the beginning of back-to-school preparations, a time when parents, teachers, schools, and students gear up for a season of education. It's a time to dust off the backpacks, fill them up, and plan for a new school year. But beyond the traditional back-to-school checklist, August is also recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations and preventive health measures.

Here are some ways you can get your child ready for school health-wise, highlighting the significance of immunization and providing tips for ensuring your child practices good hygiene to prevent illness.

Getting a flu shot can help protect yourself and others from the seasonal flu. Much of the focus the last couple of years has been on getting the Covid-19 vaccine and boosters, so many people may have forgotten the importance of also getting a flu shot. Since last year's flu season had a low number of cases, it's possible that this year could be more serious. 

UPDATED: June 2022

The CDC now recommends COVID-19 primary series vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older, and COVID-19 boosters for everyone ages 5 years and older, if eligible. The Medical Specialty Center at Orchard Hospital will be offering a one day infant/toddler vaccine clinic on Friday, July 1st from 8am-4pm by appointment. Call 530-797-3595 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Both Moderna and Pfizer is available for all children and adults ages 6 months or older.

There’s been so much talk about Covid-19 the last few years you may have forgotten about the flu! But even though Covid-19 has been top-of-mind for most people, the influenza virus is still alive and well. You may think that because spring is here, you’re out of the woods for getting the flu. While typically flu season occurs in the fall and winter, it can actually last as late as May. While its important to test for Covid if you think you might have it, it’s equally important not to forget about influenza A.

In an ongoing effort to curb the latest omicron variant of COVID-19, as of January 18, 2022, every home in the United States is eligible to order up to four free COVID-19 tests. In recent weeks COVID tests have been hard to come by as there’s been an increase in demand, again thanks to the latest and more contagious variant. By offering these free tests, Americans will be able to have them when they need them so they can know sooner whether they need to stay home to protect themselves and others or if they can have peace of mind and go back to their daily activities.

The holidays are here, and while that means more opportunities for spreading cheer, there is also more opportunity for spreading flu and other respiratory viruses as people resume travel and gather with family and friends. National Influenza Vaccination Week (Dec. 5-11) is an important reminder to check off one thing no one should go through the holiday season without: a flu vaccine.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This annual observance highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your life. We know the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all aspects of life, including your ability to attend important appointments and receive routine vaccinations. During NIAM, we encourage you to talk to your doctor, nurse or healthcare professional to ensure you and your family are protected against serious diseases by getting caught up on routine vaccination.

Orchard Hospital is committed to the health and safety of Butte County residents. As our community continues to make progress in the fight against COVID-19 we’re also dedicated to keeping you up to date with the latest information regarding guidance for face coverings and the vaccine rollout. We continue to stay aligned with the California Department of Public Health. Please see the latest press release below:

Butte County has qualified to move from Tier 2 (red) to a less-restrictive Tier 3 (orange) of the State’s COVID-19 Blueprint for a Safer Economy, a shift that allows more businesses to reopen and some that are already open to increase capacity. This change in tiers is effective at 12:00 am on Wednesday, March 31.

Ever since it was announced that we were officially in a pandemic, the world has been eagerly anticipating the COVID-19 vaccine. While Orchard Hospital’s first dose COVID-19 community vaccination clinic appointments have now been filled and will be paused until further notice, the second dose Covid-19 community vaccination clinic administration began February 17^th at the Orchard Hospital Medical Specialty Center in Gridley.