August is the perfect time to remind family and friends to catch up on their vaccinations. Parents are enrolling their children in school, students are entering college, and healthcare workers are preparing for the upcoming flu season.
Why are immunizations important?
Vaccines offer safe and effective protection from infectious diseases. Vaccines have eradicated smallpox, eliminated wild polio virus in the United States and significantly reduced the number of cases of measles, diphtheria, rubella, pertussis (whooping cough) and other diseases. By staying up-to-date on the recommended vaccines, individuals can protect themselves, their families and friends from serious, life-threatening infections.
Who should be immunized?
Getting immunized is a lifelong effort regardless of age, gender, race, ethnic background or country of origin. Recommended vaccinations begin soon after birth and may continue through adulthood. Being aware of the vaccines that are recommended for people of all ages, and making sure that we receive these immunizations, is critical to protecting ourselves and our communities from disease.
When are immunizations given?
Because children are particularly vulnerable to infection, most vaccines are given during the first five to six years of life. Other immunizations are recommended during adolescent or adult years. For certain vaccines, booster immunizations are recommended throughout life. Vaccines against certain diseases that may be encountered outside of the U.S. are recommended for specific regions of the world.
Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about immunizations, including an Adult immunization schedule and the Childhood and adolescent immunization schedule.
**Source: MedicAlert Member Newsletter**
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