August is back-to-school time, and it's also National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), a great opportunity to highlight the importance of staying up to date on vaccinations for people of all ages.
Life can get busy. With school, work, activities, appointments and everything that comes with caring for a family, routine healthcare appointments can sometimes get pushed to the back burner. We're here to remind you to talk with your primary care provider to make sure you and your family stay educated and updated on vaccinations.
Why are vaccines important?
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent many infectious diseases and has helped save millions of lives worldwide. Staying up to date on recommended vaccinations can help protect not only yourself, but also your family and your community.
Vaccines help your immune system recognize and fight germs that can cause serious illness. Different vaccines work in different ways, but all help your body build protection against specific diseases.
Common
vaccines include:
- DTaP/Tdap: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw) and pertussis (whooping cough).
- MMR: Helps prevent measles, mumps and rubella.
- Varicella: Protects against chickenpox.
- Influenza (Flu): Administered annually to prevent seasonal flu viruses.
- Hepatitis A and B: Helps prevent viral liver infections.
- Polio (IPV): Protects against polio, a disabling and life-threatening disease.
- HPV: Helps prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and related cancers.
- COVID-19: Helps reduce risk of severe illness caused by COVID-19.
- Shingles (Zoster): Recommended for adults age 50 and older to help prevent shingles.
- Pneumococcal: Prevents infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, recommended for older adults.
- RSV: Helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for older adults and infants.
- Meningococcal: Helps prevent certain types of serious bacterial meningitis and other related diseases.
Because
vaccination recommendations can vary based on age and other individual factors,
talk with your healthcare provider about which vaccines are recommended for you
and your family.
Back-to-school checklist
Before the school year gets into full swing, review your family's healthcare needs.
This
may include:
- Checking that your child's recommended vaccinations are up to date
- Scheduling a well-child visit
- Completing a sports physical if your child participates in school or recreational sports
- Addressing any health concerns before the busy school year begins
Well-child visits are regularly scheduled appointments that include screenings and assessments from infancy through adolescence and help healthcare providers monitor growth and development, address health concerns, discuss healthy habits and make sure recommended preventive care, including immunizations, is up to date.
How Summit Medical can help your family
Summit Medical Group specializes in pediatric and family primary care, helping families stay on track with preventive care throughout the year. For added convenience, Summit Express Clinics offer walk-in immunizations for children and adults, as well as physicals.
Summit Medical Group offers pediatric services across our network, and many are accepting new patients. Click here to find a provider near you.
This
National Immunization Awareness Month, take a moment to talk with a Summit
Medical healthcare provider. A quick appointment today can be an important step
toward a healthier school year for your family.