Parents: Stay on Track with Vaccinations

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@TeamMuriel
 
Muriel Bowser Ward 4
 
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John A. Wilson Building

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

Phone: (202) 727-2643
Email: muriel.bowser@dc.gov

Chief of Staff:
John Falcicchio

City Administrator:
Rashad Young

Senior Advisor:
Beverly Perry
 
Director of Mayor's Office of Community Affairs:
Lamont Akins

Director of Mayor's Office of Community Relations and Services:
Julia Irving

Scheduling Requests:
mayor.dc.gov/page/invite-mayor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 7, 2020 

Letter from the Mayor

Dear Washingtonians, 

Just a few weeks ago, I urged DC residents to continue seeking regular health care. While our collective attention has been and continues to be on stopping the spread of COVID-19, we know that heart attacks, strokes, cancer, and other diseases don’t stop for a pandemic. DC hospitals are operating and safe, and it is critical that people stay in touch with their doctors and continue to make and keep their health care appointments. 

Now, we have an important message for parents:

As we continue through this public health emergency, it is important that children continue to visit their pediatricians for their well-child visit.

These appointments are important for:

  • Tracking growth and development;
  • Discussing concerns about your child’s health; and
  • Ensuring your child is up to date on vaccinations.

Even though the first day of school looks different this year, we still need children getting vaccinated. This is to keep children healthy, but it is also to protect other vulnerable members of our community. Last year, we had more than 1,200 cases of measles in the United States. This was the greatest number of cases reported in the U.S. since 1992 and since measles was declared eliminated in 2000. We certainly do not want to have an epidemic during a pandemic. 

So, if you have children, make sure their vaccinations are up to date. You can go to cdc.gov/vaccines and find an easy-to-read schedule. You can also call your child’s pediatrician and speak to them about how to stay on track. Parents can also take advantage of a number of school-based health centers around the city. These sites, which are open to all District families for vaccinations, require an appointment, so make sure you call ahead.

Sincerely,

Muriel Bowser

In This Week's Newsletter:

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Mental Health Hotline

Mental Health Hotline

Our mental health can change based on the circumstances facing us. If you, or someone you care about, feel overwhelmed or are experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, depression, or anxiety due to COVID-19 or other recent events, the District is here to help. A mental health clinician is available around the clock to talk to residents about coping strategies or just to listen.

If you need help, do not hesitate to call the Mental Health Hotline at 1-888-793-4357.

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