Dawson County Health Department

05/05/2026

05/01/2026

💉 We are wrapping up World Immunization Week with one final and very practical post: tips to help support your child during vaccination!

Getting your child vaccinated does not have to be a stressful experience. Be honest with your child in an age-appropriate way and let them know they may feel a small pinch but that it will be over quickly. Stay calm yourself because children pick up on a parent's anxiety. Hold your child comfortably during the shot and make eye contact with them. Bring a favorite toy or comfort item and offer lots of praise and a small reward afterward to celebrate their bravery.

For infants, breastfeeding or offering a pacifier during the vaccination can help soothe them. Thank you for following along with us all week for World Immunization Week. Vaccines protect your child and your whole community and we are grateful for every family in Dawson County who is doing their part.

04/30/2026

💉 Pneumonia is the biggest infectious cause of death in children worldwide. That is a sobering fact but here is the hopeful part: vaccination can help prevent it.

The pneumococcal vaccine, also known as PCV, is recommended for all children under 5 and protects against the bacteria most commonly responsible for severe pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections in young children. It is also recommended for adults 65 and older and for younger adults with certain health conditions.

This World Immunization Week we want to remind every parent that staying on your child's vaccine schedule is one of the most powerful things you can do to keep them healthy and protected. If you have questions about your child's vaccinations or your own, call your healthcare provider or reach us at the Dawson County Health Department at (406) 377-5213.

We are here to help. 💙

04/29/2026

More than 9,810 new cases of testicular cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2026 alone. That is nearly 10,000 men, brothers, fathers, sons, and friends who will hear those words this year.

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men ages 15 to 35 but the good news is that it is also one of the most treatable cancers when caught early. Survival rates exceed 95% when detected at an early stage. The key is knowing your body, doing monthly self-exams, and not waiting to talk to a doctor if something feels off. A few minutes of awareness could change everything.

This April share this post and help someone you care about know the facts. 💜

04/28/2026

04/28/2026

💉 How many doses of the measles vaccine results in full protection? Two!

The MMR vaccine is given in two doses. The first at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years old. Two doses provides 97% protection against measles, one of the most contagious diseases on the planet. With measles cases continuing to rise across the United States this year, knowing your child's vaccination status has never been more important.

If you are unsure whether your child has received both doses, check their vaccination record or call their pediatrician. Adults who are unsure of their status should also check in with their doctor. We offer the MMR Panel right here at the Dawson County Health Department every Wednesday.

Call (406) 377-5213 to schedule. Two doses. Full protection. It is that simple. 💙

04/27/2026

A painless lump could be testicular cancer. That is one of the reasons this disease can be so easy to overlook. No pain does not mean no problem.

Testicular cancer often starts as a small, painless lump or swelling that many men brush off or put off getting checked. This Testicular Cancer Awareness Month we want to encourage every man to get familiar with what is normal for their body. Monthly self-exams only take a few minutes and can make all the difference. If you notice anything unusual, a lump, swelling, a change in size or shape, or a dull ache, do not wait.

Talk to your doctor. Caught early, testicular cancer has a survival rate of over 95%. Your health is worth the conversation.

04/27/2026

💉 When did you last check your child's vaccination record? This World Immunization Week we are encouraging every parent and caregiver to pull out that yellow vaccine booklet or call your child's pediatrician and make sure everything is up to date.

Children receive several important vaccines in their first few years of life and it can be easy to lose track of what has been given and what is still needed. Staying on schedule protects your child, but it also protects babies who are too young to be vaccinated and community members whose immune systems may not be strong enough to fight off illness on their own.

A quick phone call to your provider is all it takes to know for sure. You can also contact the Dawson County Health Department at (406) 377-5213 with any questions about immunizations. Your child's health is worth the two minutes it takes to check. 💙

04/26/2026

💉 This week is World Immunization Week and today's message is simple: follow the schedule.

Vaccines are recommended at specific ages and intervals for a reason. Delaying or skipping them increases the risk of serious illness, not just for your child but for the people around them who may be too young or too vulnerable to be vaccinated themselves.

If you are not sure whether you or your child are up to date, now is a great time to check. Call your healthcare provider and ask. Our team at the Dawson County Health Department also offers immunizations including COVID-19, Flu, Shingles, and more every Wednesday from 8am to Noon. Call us at (406) 377-5213 to schedule.

Staying on schedule is one of the simplest and most powerful things you can do to protect your family and your community. 💙

04/25/2026

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and this year marks 25 years of SAAM. For 25 years this month has existed to remind survivors that they are not alone and that help is always available.

If you or someone you know needs support right here in our community, Dawson County Domestic Violence is here for you. They are located at 110 North Kendrick Avenue in Glendive and their office is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.

You can reach them at (406) 377-6477. If you need help outside of office hours their 24/7 crisis line is available any time of day or night at (406) 989-1318.

You do not have to face this alone. Help is closer than you think. 💜