Are your children up-to-date on their immunizations, and what about you and other members of your family? Let’s explore the importance of keeping your immunizations current –all year-round.
Check This Year’s Immunization Schedules for Children and Adults
Each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issues updated recommendations on immunization schedules for children, adolescents, and adults. These schedules describe the ages and dosing information for immunizations that guard against a host of dangerous diseases, such as:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Rotavirus
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Acellular pertussis
- Pneumococcal conjugate
- Inactivated poliovirus
- Influenza
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Varicella
- Human papillomavirus
- And many more…
Per the American Academy of Pediatrics, “any dose not administered at the recommended age should be administered at a subsequent visit, when indicated and feasible.”
Fighting Misinformation about Immunizations and Vaccines
Organizations like the CDC and Richmond University Medical Center continually fight misinformation about immunizations and vaccines. Here are just a few important reminders from the CDC regarding immunization:
“You have the power to protect against vaccine-preventable diseases.”
According to the CDC, preteens and teens need the following vaccines to protect against measles, whooping cough, cancers caused by HPV, and other serious illnesses:
- Meningococcal vaccine
- HPV vaccine
- Tdap vaccine
- Annual flu vaccine
Immunizations are also important for adults, as they can guard against pneumonia, shingles, and more. Your doctor can recommend the best vaccinations for your age, lifestyle, and overall health.
“Vaccines are safe and effective at preventing serious diseases.”
The CDC explains that vaccinations are designed to boost your natural defenses against certain diseases and help your immune system effectively and safely develop protection. To ensure their safety and efficacy, vaccines are rigorously tested, must gain the proper approvals, and are continually monitored.
“Vaccine-preventable diseases are still a threat. Vaccination is the best protection.”
This point is best emphasized with an example about the common flu. The CDC says that children, especially those under age five, commonly require medical care when ill with the flu, and in any given year, anywhere between 7,000 and 26,000 children may be hospitalized. These cases, however, could have been prevented with immunization.
So, Are You Up To Date?
Take a moment to ensure that your children, your loved ones, and yourself all are up-to-date on immunizations. Consult the CDC’s Interactive Vaccine Guide and Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool to help you get started, and contact Richmond University Medical Center for more information about immunizations.
