Hauppauge: Suffolk Legislator William Spencer coordinated two informative presentations for Thursday’s County Health Committee meeting.
Dr. Grosso, CMO at Huntington Hospital, presented on the facts surrounding HPV vaccination and its role in preventing infections that can lead to 6 types of cancers. According to the American Cancer Society more than 31,000 cases of HPV cancer cases could be prevented each year with an HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls ages at 11 and 12. Dr. Grosso encouraged parents to talk to their child's doctor at their next appointment.
The second presentation, given by Suffolk County Health Commissioner, Dr. Tomarken, provided information about the importance of a measles vaccination. As the number of confirmed measles cases continues to rise to levels not seen nationally since 1994, Dr. Tomarken emphasized just how important the MMR vaccination is to preventing the spread of the highly contagious disease. The measles virus, which was considered eliminated in the United States in the year 2000, has now infected more than 750 people in 23 states in 2019, with active outbreaks happening in Rockland County and New York City. Dr. Tomarken informed the committee if someone is having an issue accessing the vaccine they can contact the Health Department at 631-854-033.
Pictured from left to right: Gabby Andrea-Health Systems Manager, American Cancer Society; Dr. James Tomarken - Suffolk County Health Commissioner; Dr. Michael Grosso - Chief Medical Officer, Huntington Hospital; Legislator William Spencer, MD; Joe Volavka - Senior Administrative Director, Dolan Family Health Center
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