Frequently Asked Questions

Immunizations

Q:  What are vaccinations?

A:  Vaccinations (vaccines) protect your child against serious diseases by stimulating the immune system to create antibiodies against certain bacteria or viruses.

Q:  I don't know anybody who has had measles or rubella. Why does my baby need these shots?

A:  These diseases are common in other parts of the world and are just a plane ride away. If we stop vaccinating against these diseases, many more people will become infected.

Q:  Isn't there some way besides vaccination to protect my baby against these diseases?

A:  No. Breastfeeding offers temporary immunity against some minor infections like colds, but it is not an effective means of protecting a child from the specific diseases preventable by vaccines. The price paid for natural disease can include paralysis, retardation, liver cancer, deafness, blindness, or even death.

Q:  What if my baby has a cold or fever or is taking antibiotics? Can he or she still get vaccinated?

A:  Yes. Your child can still be vaccinated if he or she has a mild illness, a low-grade fever, or is taking antibiotics.

Q:  How many times do I need to bring my baby in for vaccinations?

A:  At least four visits are needed before age two.

Q:  How do I know when to take my baby in for shots?

A:  Your healthcare provider should give you a reminder when the next doses are due. If you are not sure, call your clinic or healthcare provider to find out when you should bring your child back.

Q:  What if I miss an appointment? Does my baby have to get the shots all over again?

A:  No. If your baby misses some doses, it's not necessary to start over. Your provider will continue from where he or she left off.

Q:  How do I keep track of my baby's shots?

A:  Your healthcare provider should give you a personal record card for your child's vaccinations. If you don't receive one, ask! Bring the card to all medical appointments.

Q:  What if my child isn't a baby anymore? Is it too late to get him or her vaccinated?

A:  No. Although it's best to have your child begin vaccination as an infant, it's never too late to start.

Q:  What if I can't afford to get my child vaccinated?

A:  Vaccinations are usually low cost or free for children when families can't afford them.

Q:  How do I obtain my child's immunization record?

A:  Print and complete the immunization request form and mail to the Elkhart County Health Department, 608 Oakland Ave, Elkhart, IN 46516. The cost of the immunization record is $5.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time for the same client.

Q:  Isn't all this talk about diseases just a way to scare parents so they'll bring their babies in for shots?

A:  No. These diseases can injure and kill children in the U.S. Pertussis (whooping cough), for example, is currently a dangerous disease for infants.

Q:  Are vaccinations safe?

A:  Vaccines are safe, and researchers continually work to make sure they become even safer. Most side effects from vaccinations are minor, such as soreness where the injection was given or a low-grade fever. If you have concerns or questions, talk to your child's healthcare provider.

Q:  Can you get Chickenpox (Varicella) from Shingles (Herpes Zoster)?

A:  Yes. Transmission may occur from person to person from infected respiratory tract secretions. Transmission may also occur by respiratory contact with airborne droplets or by direct contact or inhalation of aerosols from vesicular fluid of skin lesions of acute Chickenpox (Varicella) or Shingles (Herpes Zoster).

Q:  Where can members of my family get their immunizations?

A:  Childhood immunizations are provided by appointment at selected sites in the county. Adult eligible immunizations are available by appointment Elkhart.
Call 574-523-2127 or 1-877-523-2283 extension 2127 to make an appointment.

Q:  What diseases do vaccines protect against?

A:  Vaccines protect against measles, mumps, rubella, influenza, hepatitis B, hepatitis A, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), Hib disease, chickenpox, pneumococcal disease, meningococcal,HPV (Human Papillomavirus)and Rotavirus.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Progr

Q:  How important is it to do self-breast exams?

A:  It is very important to do monthly exams and to become familiar with your body to detect any changes. Most women find breast lumps before their physicians.

Q:  What if I have breast implants? Or hysterectomy?

A:  You can still have a mammogram when you have breast implants. If you have had a total hysterectomy, you will not need a Pap smear.

Q:  Will I have a mammogram on the day of the appointment?

A:  No. The physician at the Health Department will do a clinical breast exam to determine if you need a screening or a diagnostic mammogram. Then an appointment is made for you either at The Retreat in Goshen or Elkhart General Hospital.

Q:  Are there any requirements for the BCCP Program?

A:  Yes. You have to be 40 years old or older. There is a gross income requirement with the number of people in your household. If you don't have insurance, or if you do, but you have unmet deductibles or it does not cover screenings.

Lead

Q:  How much does it cost to have a lead test done at the Health Department?

A:  There is no cost for the lead screen.

Q:  How can I tell if my child has lead poisoning?

A:  Many times the lead poisoned child does not have any symptoms. The only way to find out if a child has lead poisoning is to do the lead test.

Q:  Is there a cure for lead poisoning?

A:  No. There is no cure, but there are ways to reduce exposure to lead. Keep the area where children play clean, wash the children's toys, have children wash their hands before meals and bedtime, and eating a healthy diet are just a few.

Q:  How can I protect my child from lead?

A:  The most important thing is to have your child tested for lead. The next most important thing is to make sure your child has a healthy diet.

Communicable Disease

Q:  Why do I have to come back in two days after I had my TB test? Can't I just tell you over the phone what my arm looks like?

A:  The site of the test needs to be observed and felt by a trained TB test administrator for an official "reading". Sometimes subtle changes have occurred that must be "felt". If the person does not come back for a reading in 48 to 72 hours, the test must be repeated at the person's expense.

Q:  If I had BCG vaccine, why do I need a TB skin test? It will be positive.

A:  A BCG vaccine is given in countries with a lot of TB. It is only good for about 5 years to help prevent active TB. Then it wears off. Anyone with a history of BCG who develops a positive TB test is considered to have been infected with TB and will need a baseline X-ray to rule out active TB.

HIV & STI Prevention

Q:  Where can I go if I don't have insurance?

A:  Elkhart County Health Department, 523-2128

Q:  Is the test kept confidential?

A:  Yes, it is strictly confidential. We will not release any information to any agency or individual without your consent.

Q:  Do I have to bring my parents?

A:  No, parental permission is not required for our services.

Q:  Do you give out free condoms?

A:  Yes, free condoms are available any time during clinic hours.

Q:  If I was exposed to HIV a month ago, how long until it shows on a test?

A:  It could take up to three months from the time you are exposed to show on a test.

Q:  What should I do if I have symptoms?

A:  You should call for an appointment as soon as possible. Be sure to mention that you are having symptoms when you schedule the appointment.

Q:  Where can I get a free HIV test?

A:  You can call 523-2128 to set up an appointment for a free HIV test at the Health Department in Elkhart.

Q:  How much does it cost?

A:  HIV testing - free
STI Clinic - $35.00

Q:  What do I do if I test positive?

A:  Follow through with your medical provider's instructions, including taking all medicine and abstaining from sex for the specified amount of time. It is also very important that your sex and/or needle sharing partners are informed of the contact and receive testing and any treatment that is needed.

Q:  What do I do if my partner has a positive test?

A:  You need to schedule an appointment for testing and treatment as soon as possible. It is very important that you mention to your medical provider that you have been in contact with an STI. Do not have sex until both you and your partner have completed your treatment.

Q:  How long can I have an STI without knowing it?

A:  There are often no symptoms of an STI which means you can have one for a long period of time without knowing it. If symptoms are present, they usually show (typically from a few days to a month) shortly after exposure.

Q:  Can I still have an STI if I don't have any symptoms?

A:  Yes, often times there are no symptoms of an STI.

Q:  Can I still be treated for an STI if I am pregnant?

A:  Yes, there are treatments available that are safe during pregnancy for most STI's. It is important to let your provider know if you are or may be pregnant so that a safe treatment is provided.