August is National Immunization Awareness Month, making it a great time to make sure you and your family are up to date on recommended vaccines.
Many people think of immunizations as something only children need, but vaccines are important throughout every stage of life. Staying current on immunizations helps protect you, your loved ones, and your community from serious illnesses that are often preventable.
Why Are Immunizations Important?
Vaccines help your body’s immune system recognize and fight certain diseases before they can cause serious illness. Thanks to immunizations, diseases like polio, measles, and whooping cough are much less common today.
Vaccines do more than protect the person receiving them. They also help protect babies, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems who may be more vulnerable to infection. When more people are vaccinated, it helps reduce the spread of disease throughout the community.
Childhood Immunizations and Back-to-School Needs
As summer comes to an end, many families are preparing for a new school year. Back-to-school season is the perfect time to review your child’s immunization records.
Children receive vaccines throughout infancy, childhood, and adolescence to help protect against diseases such as:
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Whooping cough (pertussis)
- Tetanus and diphtheria
- Chickenpox
- Hepatitis A and B
- Meningitis
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Some vaccines are required for school attendance, while others are recommended based on your child’s age and health history.
If you’re unsure whether your child is up to date, your healthcare provider can review their immunization records and recommend any vaccines they may need before school starts.
Adults Need Vaccines Too
Immunizations remain important long after childhood. Protection from some vaccines can decrease over time, and new vaccines become recommended as we age.
Recommended vaccines for adults can include:
- Annual flu vaccine
- Tdap booster every 10 years
- Shingles vaccine for adults age 50 and older
- Pneumonia vaccines for older adults and people with certain medical conditions
- RSV vaccine for eligible older adults
Your healthcare provider can help determine which vaccines are recommended for you based on your age, medical history, occupation, travel plans, and lifestyle.
Not Sure If You’re Up to Date?
Keeping track of immunizations can be difficult, especially as families grow and vaccine recommendations change over time. If you’re unsure whether you or your child is up to date, your healthcare provider can review your immunization history and recommend any vaccines that may be needed.
The Family Medicine providers at Crawford County Memorial Hospital are here to answer your questions, review your records, and help you stay protected at every stage of life.
To schedule an appointment or check your immunization records, contact the CCMH Medical Clinic at 712-265-2700.
Staying up to date on immunizations is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself, your family, and your community. Whether you’re preparing for the school year or simply checking in on your own health, it’s never too late to make sure your vaccinations are current.
