Getting your child immunized is one way you can protect them from serious diseases.
Children are exposed to thousands of germs every day. August is National Immunization Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of getting recommended immunizations for children. On-time immunizations help provide immunity against potentially life-threatening diseases before children are exposed to them.
Many children missed check-ups and recommended childhood vaccinations. Making sure that your child sees their doctor for well-child visits and recommended immunizations is one of the best things you can do to protect your child and community from serious diseases that are easily spread. In fact, the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend children catch up on routine childhood immunizations following disruptions from COVID-19.
Did You Know?
Diseases are extremely contagious and can be very serious, especially for babies and young children.
In recent years, there have been outbreaks of diseases, especially in communities with low vaccination rates. For instance, children who are not protected by vaccines are more likely to get diseases like measles and whooping cough. Yet, in the United States, the national immunization coverage among kindergarten children during the 2020-2021 school year dropped by about 1% from the previous year— that amounts to 35,000 more children without immunization documents.
What Can You Do as a Parent?
Remember, the immunization schedule is designed to provide immunity (protection) early in life before children are likely to be exposed to serious, potentially life-threatening diseases. Work with your child’s doctor or nurse to make sure they get caught up on missed well-child visits and recommended immunizations.
Remember, the immunization schedule is designed to provide immunity (protection) early in life before children are likely to be exposed to serious, potentially life-threatening diseases.
If you are pregnant, talk to your prenatal care provider about recommended immunizations. All pregnant people are recommended to get a whooping cough shot (Tdap) during the 27th through 36th week of each pregnancy. Getting a Tdap vaccine during pregnancy provides the best protection against whooping cough for you and your baby in the first few months of life before your baby is old enough to get their own whooping cough shots. A flu shot during any trimester of each pregnancy provides the best protection against flu for you and can also protect your baby for the first several months after birth when they are too young to be immunized.
Want to get a headstart on your health? We deliver a Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support program accredited by the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists to meet the needs of people affected by the disease. Call MHEDS at 814-453-6229 (Peach Street) or 814-616-7730 (John F. Kennedy Center).
Our health information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist the public in learning more about their health. MHEDS’ providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.
