National Immunization Awareness Month
August awareness helps to educate about immunization
August hails National Immunization Awareness Month. In plain language, an immunization is a shot that prevents an infection caused by a virus or bacteria. The shot, also known as a vaccine, puts ones very own “immune system” to work. Vaccines prevent infection in people of all ages, even if you’re around people sick with the disease. Examples of common vaccines are polio, measles, mumps, flu, and chickenpox.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (APA) is an important organization dedicated to the health of all children. In a report from 2016, the organization talks about the number of people asking for different vaccination schedules. These include holding off or refusing the shots altogether. With the explosion of information available on the Web, people read all sorts of stories about the dangers of vaccines. In addition, not all of the information is fact based. Some information is outdated, while others are misleading. Also, people have different reasons for questioning or refusing vaccines. Some have religious beliefs, whereas others think the shots will cause harm. Still more do not trust the medical system or the government.
CDC Knowledge
Remember, good information is powerful. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) closely monitor vaccine safety. These agencies made a system allowing anyone to report a bad experience associated with a vaccine. It’s called the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) https://vaers.hhs.gov/index.html. To learn more about the importance of vaccines, point your browser to https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html. We advise you to read this reliable information before a visit to your healthcare provider. And then talk with your provider about your concerns. The most important message is this. Vaccines are safe and effective. Serious disease can occur if your child and family don’t get their shots.
Reach Out
Littleton Regional Healthcare – North Country Primary Care encourages individuals and families to schedule an appointment today to talk to your primary healthcare provider about you and your families’ vaccinations. Call 1-603-444-7070.
Disclosure: Littleton Regional Healthcare is a financial supporter of Littleton Area Television. For more information on North Country Healthcare, Littleton Regional Healthcare or any of the NCH partners, please visit their website.
The images, and content contained within this article appear courtesy of the above mentioned organization. The content appears in part, or in whole, as a submission from the public relations department of the organization. For information on how you may be able to submit to our website for community events or press release news posts such as these, please visit our community bulletin board and public relations sections on our policy page.