Although August is almost over, Happy National Immunization Awareness Month! The medical field holds this annual awareness in August to articulate the important role that vaccines have in preventing serious and deadly diseases. With the school year starting and flu season upon us, it is highly recommended to get your shots and make sure your immunization records are up to date.
I think it is necessary to give a quick explanation on how vaccines work for those who may be unsure about getting one. Vaccines inject a weaker form of the specific disease in your body to allow your body to stimulate your immune system and create antibodies. These antibodies will effectively and actively fight the specific disease if you are exposed to it later.
Immunizations are not just for children, but adults as well. Adults may be at a higher risk due to age, job, lifestyle, travel or health conditions. Without the vaccines, you and those around you may be at a greater risk of catching a disease that is preventable by a vaccine such as:
- Chickenpox
- Influenza
- Measles
- Meningitis
- Pneumonia
- Polio
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Shingles
- Tetanus
- Whooping Cough
Getting vaccines at the recommended time is the best way to protect yourself against serious diseases. If you are behind on your routine vaccinations, consider getting vaccinated as soon as you can.
During National Immunization Awareness Month, contact your health care professional to check on your vaccinations or schedule your appointment. Visist https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niam/index.html for more information.
Please confer with your HR manager or your insurance materials to make sure that the immunizations are covered or if there is a coinsurance you must pay.
