August is National Immunization Awareness Month
What is National Immunization Awareness Month about?
National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages.
Children/Adolescent Vaccination
On-time vaccination throughout childhood is essential because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are tested to ensure that they are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages.
Did you know there are 14 vaccine-preventable diseases you can protect your child from before the age of two?
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria
- Flu (Influenza)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Hib
- Measles
- Mumps
- Polio
- Pneumococcal
- Rotavirus
- Rubella
- Tetanus
- Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Vaccines are recommended throughout your child’s life to protect against serious, sometimes deadly diseases. Find out which vaccines are recommended for your child based on their age. For more information, click here.
Adult Vaccination
You may not realize that you need vaccines throughout your life. Adults need to keep their vaccinations up to date because immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off over time. You are also at risk for different diseases as an adult. Vaccination is one of the most convenient and safest preventive care measures available. You may need other vaccines based on your age, health conditions, job, lifestyle, or travel habits.
All adults need:
- Influenza (flu) vaccine every year
- Td or Tdap vaccine
Maternal Vaccination
Whether you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or just had a baby, there are vaccines you may need to protect yourself and your baby. Some vaccine-preventable diseases can be deadly, and there are often outbreaks of disease in the United States.
CDC has guidelines for the vaccines you need before, during, and after pregnancy. Some vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, should be given a month or more before pregnancy. You should get the Tdap vaccine (to help protect against whooping cough), during your pregnancy. Other vaccines, like the flu shot, can be given before or during pregnancy, depending on whether or not it is flu season when you’re pregnant. It is safe for you to receive vaccines right after giving birth, even while you are breastfeeding.
To check out the recommended vaccines while pregnant, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pregnancy/pregnant-women/index.html
For more information about El Centro’s services or to schedule an appointment, please call (713) 660-1880.
