August is National Immunization Awareness Month! Immunizations have significantly reduced the incidence of many serious infectious diseases. The purpose of this observance is to highlight the importance of immunizations, one of the top 10 public health accomplishments of the 20th Century, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Vaccines are an important step in protecting against serious and sometimes deadly diseases. Even healthy adults can become seriously ill, and can pass certain illnesses on to others. Immunization is especially important for older adults and for adults with chronic conditions such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), diabetes, or heart disease. Immunizations are important for anyone who is in close contact with the very young, the very old, people with weakened immune systems, and those who cannot be vaccinated. All adults should get the influenza (flu) vaccine each year to protect against the seasonal flu. It is recommended that pregnant women get the Tdap to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough), preferably at 27 through 36 weeks.
Parents can do a number of things to ensure a healthy future for their child. One of the most important actions parents can take is to make sure their children are up to date on their vaccines. Following the recommended immunization schedule provides the best protection from serious, and sometimes deadly, disease. Being vaccinated not only helps protect children of all ages from getting a certain disease like the flu and pertussis (whooping cough), it also helps stop the spread of these diseases to other family members, community members, and classmates.
The Department of Health in Washington County offers free immunizations to children, birth – 18 years of age provided they are still enrolled in elementary, middle or high school. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please contact (850) 638-6240. All information above is from the National Public Health Information Collation. If you would like more information, please visit their website at www.nphic.org.
The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
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