When we think of immunizations, we most often think of babies, children going back to school in the fall and flu shots. It is easy to overlook the newly-recommended vaccines and booster shots available for children and adults. Because August is National Immunization Awareness Month, it is a great time to check to see what immunizations are available and whether everyone in your family, from infants to seniors, is up-to-date on their vaccinations. The routine immunizations which are available include: polio, tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, rotavirus, pertussis, chickenpox, rubella, Hib, hepatitis A and hepatitis B, pneumococcal, and flu. Additional immunizations available include pertussis for people over 10 years of age, a meningococcal vaccine for teenagers and pre-teens, human papilloma virus (HPV) for females between 9 and 26 years of age, and a shingles vaccine for adults sixty and older.
The Importance of Immunizations
Why are immunizations important? We all want our families to be healthy. Immunizations are the best protection from these diseases, some of which still circulate in the U.S. Other diseases, such as polio, are more common or seen at higher rates in other countries. Since it has become more difficult to treat bacterial illnesses that are resistant to antibiotics, preventing these with an available immunization will keep us from harm. Immunizations are so effective that smallpox has been erased from the earth, and wild poliovirus is no longer a problem in the U.S. Childhood diseases like measles, mumps, and chickenpox have been significantly reduced and we can keep them away by staying up-to-date on our immunizations.
Vaccine Safety
A common question people ask is “how safe are vaccines?” No medicine we take or daily activity that we engage in is completely, 100% safe. For each immunization recommended, the benefits far outweigh the risks. For those who do experience a reaction to a vaccine, the most common side effects are pain, swelling or redness at the injection site. A few people may run a fever. Occasionally, a serious side effect can occur, usually due to an allergic reaction. This is why you are always asked if you are allergic to eggs before receiving the flu vaccine. It is grown in chicken eggs, which may cause an allergic reaction to those people who have egg allergies.
Review Immunization Records to Stay Healthy
Researchers are constantly working on new vaccines to protect us and keep our families healthy. Being protected from disease through immunizations is a lifelong effort. We begin initial vaccinations shortly after we are born and continue with immunizations and boosters throughout our lifetime. We encourage you to take the time during National Immunization Awareness Month to review your own and your family’s immunization records. Make an appointment with your health care provider to bring your vaccinations up-to-date as necessary. For more information about immunization schedules, please visit the Sacramento County Public Health web site at www.SCPH.com. For referral to a clinic or low-cost shots, please call (916) 875-SHOT (7468).