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On January 6, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced significant revisions to the childhood immunization schedule based on recommendation group.
Carver County Public Health vaccine protocols are unchanged and align with recommendations of the Minnesota Department of Health and trusted professional medical associations. Please review the Vaccine Recommendations and Access for Minnesotans for more information.
Why Vaccines Matter
Contribution in this section provided by Carol W., Public Health Nurse and Vaccine Coordinator, Carver County Public Health Department.
Vaccines have dramatically reduced illness, disability, and death from infectious diseases. Before widespread immunization, diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough, and polio caused severe complications and fatalities. Historical accounts, like the 1925 serum run to Nome led by sled dogs Balto and Togo to combat the devastating complications of diphtheria, remind us of the desperate measures once needed to combat outbreaks.
Personal experiences reinforce these lessons:
- My mother contracted scarlet fever caused by measles as a child, which affected her heart health for her entire life.
- As a public health nurse, I once cared for a young mother who was unhoused and orphaned, with no record of vaccination. She had never received an MMR vaccine and was unfortunately exposed to rubella while pregnant. Her son was born with complications from Congenital Rubella Syndrome and subsequently experienced multiple health and developmental challenges. This underscores how access to preventive tools can profoundly influence health outcomes for a lifetime.
- While I never met anyone treated for polio in an Iron Lung, I know individuals who live with lasting nerve and muscle damage from the disease.
These stories illustrate that vaccines are not just medical interventions—they are life-changing protections.
Read the full Disease Prevention and Control Insights for more information.
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Care Behind the Walls: Carver County Jail MOUD |
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Carver County Jail remains committed to expanding access to evidence-based treatment for incarcerated individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) through its Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) program. Carver County Jail’s MOUD program continues to make a meaningful impact on both inmate recovery and facility operations. Funded largely through opioid settlement dollars beginning in 2025 and continuing into 2026, the program provides FDA-approved medications to help individuals with opioid use disorder manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and stabilize their health during incarceration. To date, 90 individuals have been inducted into the Jail MOUD program.
With expanded medical staffing, detention staff have seen a noticeable reduction in medical emergencies and withdrawal-related incidents. The added support has improved safety, reduced stress, and allowed staff to focus more on facility operations.
Read the full article to learn more about the program's impact.
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Explore Carver County's 2024 Community Health Assessment Results Online |
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Carver County Public Health has launched a new accessible and interactive website sharing the results of the 2024 Community Health Assessment (CHA). Conducted every five years, the CHA provides a comprehensive look at the health of our community, identifying key priorities and guiding the development of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). This process helps ensure resources are focused where they are needed most.
The new site offers easy access to data and insights on topics such as mental health, chronic disease, social determinants of health, and access to care. Visitors can explore summaries and interactive tools that make complex health information clear and actionable. The CHA reflects input from residents, community organizations, healthcare providers, and local leaders, making it a true community-driven effort.
The CHA data is a valuable resource for organizations working to improve health outcomes. Partners can use these insights to:
- align programs with community needs,
- identify gaps in services, and
- support grant applications with local data.
By leveraging this information, we can strengthen collaboration, target interventions effectively, and measure progress toward shared health goals.
Help spread the word! Share the CHA website with your networks and stakeholders to ensure everyone has access to this important resource. Together, we can make informed decisions that improve health for all in Carver County.
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Health Officials Recommend Vaccination as Respiratory Disease Activity Increases |
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Respiratory illnesses are on the rise in Minnesota, prompting health officials to urge residents to get vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. Experts stress that vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and even death. While flu activity is currently highest, COVID-19 and RSV cases are also increasing, and outbreaks in schools have been reported. Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham reminds Minnesotans, “Now is the time to get vaccinated – it’s not too late.”
For the 2025–26 season, everyone 6 months and older is recommended to receive flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines, while RSV immunization is advised for infants, pregnant people, and older adults who haven’t yet received it. Vaccines are widely available through clinics, pharmacies, and local health departments, and programs exist to assist those without insurance. In addition to vaccination, MDH recommends preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs, staying home when sick, and masking if unwell. More details and resources are available on the MDH Immunization website.
The full news release can be viewed on MDH's 2025 New Releases web page.
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HHS Cancels Millions in Grants to American Academy of Pediatrics |
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has withdrawn several million dollars in grants previously awarded to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a move HHS explained as a realignment with its evolving mission and priorities. These seven grants - three from the CDC and four from HRSA - had supported essential programs such as sudden infant death prevention, early autism detection, adolescent mental health services, rural healthcare access, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder prevention.
You can read the full article from Reuters for more information.
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Finding Reliable Health Information Online |
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Navigating health advice online can be overwhelming, but several trusted resources consistently provide accurate, easy-to-understand guidance. This handout highlights five organizations:
Each offers clear, evidence-based resources through websites, newsletters, and social media, making it simple to access credible information when you need it most.
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Find Food Carver County
Find Food Carver County strives to strengthen the hunger relief network in Carver County with the goal of eliminating food insecurity in our communities. Visit their website to find resources and get involved.
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Family Resource Center
Carver County's Family Resource Center is a community gathering spot where families and caregivers can find trusted support, local resources, and meaningful connections. Visit their website to learn more.
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