August is National Immunization Awareness Month! Immunizations are a global health success story, saving millions of lives annually. Vaccines reduce the risks of getting a disease by working with your body’s natural defenses to build protection. There are now vaccines to prevent more than 20 life-threatening diseases, helping people of all ages live longer, healthier lives.
Immunizations currently prevent 3.5 million to 5 million deaths every year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza, and measles. Immunizations are the key to primary health care and one of the best health investments money can buy. Vaccines are also critical to the prevention and control of infectious disease outbreaks.
You can protect not only your child's health but also other people's health (including your own) by:
Learn which vaccines your child needs to stay healthy.
Get your child’s vaccines at the times your child’s doctor recommends.
Some vaccines need more than one dose. Get all recommended doses.
Ask the doctor how to take care of your child after they get a vaccine.
If shots are stressful for you or your child, ask the doctor for tips.
Get a vaccine tracking card from the doctor or your state health department.
Use it to keep a record of your child’s vaccines.
Ask the doctor to send you reminders about when your child needs their next vaccine.
If your child has missed any vaccines, work with the doctor to catch up.
Some great resources are:
https://www.who.int/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization#tab=tab_1
https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/publication/protect-your-child-vaccines
https://healthychildren.org/english/safety-prevention/immunizations/pages/default.aspx
https://www.nfid.org/immunization/10-reasons-to-get-vaccinated/
https://www.hhs.gov/immunization/basics/work/prevention/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/immunization/basics/work/prevention/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-children/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/
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