August is National Immunization Month
Vaccines are Recommended Throughout Your Life
Across the country, approximately 42,000 adults and 300 children die each year from a vaccine-preventable disease.
The goal of National Immunization Month is to raise awareness about the important role vaccines play in preventing serious, sometimes deadly, diseases.
Important Facts to Know About Vaccines
Vaccines are responsible for the control of many infectious diseases that were once common in this country. Vaccines have reduced and, in some cases, eliminated many diseases that once routinely killed or harmed tens of thousands of infants, children and adults.
Protection from Diseases
Babies receive vaccinations that protect them from 14 different diseases. After age 2, children are still recommended to receive a yearly flu vaccine and will be due for additional vaccine doses between 4 and 6 years of age. Make sure your child receives every dose along the way and every dose on time!
Immunization for All Ages
Everyone should have their vaccination needs assessed at their doctor’s office, pharmacy or other visits with healthcare providers. Certain vaccines are recommended based on a person’s age, occupation or health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes or heart disease.
Prevent Others from Disease
When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk for disease and can spread disease to others in their play groups, child care centers, classrooms and communities – including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer and other health conditions.
Vaccines are Important for a Healthy Pregnancy
The pregnant mother passes flu shot antibodies on to her developing baby so the baby is protected for several months after birth. A pregnant woman should get the whooping cough vaccine in the third trimester. Antibodies are also passed on to the developing baby so that the baby is born with protection against whooping cough.
Immunization Schedule
This immunization schedule will help you understand when you need a vaccination, and to review the recommended immunizations needed throughout your life!