National Immunization Awareness Month
When I first became a parent, one of the first things I noticed was that I was at the pediatrician’s office…. alot. Usually it was for a cold here, a fever there, and sometimes my favorite, the “I am a new mommy, please tell me this strange smell is normal” visit. Thankfully, most of our visits were for routine well checks and all the vaccinations a child needs before entering school.
Some parents choose to strictly follow the guidelines set for by the CDC or a modified schedule agreed upon by themselves and the child’s pediatrician. Whatever route you choose, it is always important to educate yourself as best as possible in order to make the best decisions for your child.
While parents are expected to keep up to date on the importance of vaccinations for their children, many adults fail to keep up with their own vaccinations, thinking that the vaccinations they had as a child “last forever.” Unfortunately, this is not the case. Immunizations are just as important throughout your adult life in order to protect yourself against the flu, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, shingles, pneumococcal and HPV.
In order to spread awareness, August has been deemed National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). The CDC supports and encourages the efforts of state and local health departments to use NIAM to promote back to school immunizations for children as well as college-aged students. It also serves as a reminder to all ages that influenza season is quickly approaching.
Current vaccinations are important for the healthy and are especially vital to the elderly and those who have a compromised immune system. The CDC has made it easy to view their recommendations for adults ages 19 – 65+ If you are traveling out of the country in the near future, the CDC recommends seeing your doctor 4 – 6 weeks prior to your trip to ensure you are up to date on vaccinations needed to keep you healthy. This checklist will help determine if a visit to the doc is necessary.
The bottom line is, you do have a choice as to whether you continue to receive vaccinations as an adult. Whatever decision you choose to make, just be sure it is a educated one.