08 Aug Are you and your family up to date on your Immunizations?
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, which is an annual observance that highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your life. Vaccinations have the power to protect against dangerous preventable diseases like Chickenpox, Hepatitis, Measles, Mumps, Meningococcal, Pneumonia, Shingles, Pertussis (whooping cough), Polio, and more. This month is an opportunity to raise awareness and ensure that individuals of all ages are up to date with their vaccinations. Let’s explore the importance of vaccines and why you and your family should prioritize these preventative measures.
1) Vaccinations for Children: Make sure your child is up to date with their immunizations before going back to school this fall. There are many illnesses, hospitalizations, disability, and deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases each year. Vaccinating children can protect them from these diseases and ensure that they stay healthy during the upcoming school year.
2) Vaccinations for Adults: Despite being incredibly important, many adults aren’t up to date with some of their vaccinations. This can lead to preventable illnesses and complications. Getting vaccinated is important not just for yourself, but for your loved ones as well. Vaccines protect not just the individual but those around them, including infants who may not be old enough to receive their vaccines.
3) Vaccines and Travel: Vaccines also help ensure staying healthy during travel. It is important to vaccinate before traveling to certain areas to prevent contracting diseases that aren’t common in your home country. Research to find out what vaccines are suggested when traveling to certain destinations, especially in undeveloped countries or if you are visiting a remote area such a tropical jungle.
4) Vaccinations and Pregnancy: Vaccinated mothers are less likely to have infection-related pregnancy complications. For example, if a mother who never received the MMR vaccine becomes infected with rubella during pregnancy, serious problems for the unborn baby can occur; such as birth defects including heart problems, vision problems, deafness, intellectual disability, liver and spleen damage, or even miscarriage or stillbirth. By staying up to date with your vaccines, the scan be prevented and in some cases a mother can pass on protection to the baby before they are born.
5) Cost and Coverage: Most immunizations are covered by health insurance plans as an essential health benefit. This helps make certain that even those without the financial means to receive vaccinations can get access to preventative measures and stay healthy.
National Immunization Awareness Month is a reminder of the importance of getting vaccinated. Vaccines protect not only individuals but also those around them. Children and adults should be up to date on routine immunizations to prevent illnesses and keep their loved ones safe. By prioritizing the preventative measures of immunizations, we can work together to keep our communities safe and healthy.