August is National Immunization Awareness Month

Friday, August 25th, 2017

Vaccinations are not just for kids. They are recommended throughout life for various ages, stages and circumstances. And while some diseases like Polio and Small Pox are extremely rare, proper vaccination is still very important for personal and public health.

Children, Adolescents and Teens

Vaccinating your children according to the recommended schedule is one of the best ways you can protect them from 14 harmful and potentially deadly disease like measles and whooping cough. Visit HealthyChildren.org for the recommended immunization schedule for kids from birth through age 18.

Pre-Pregnancy and During Pregnancy

Women who are planning to become pregnant may need to receive some vaccines before the start of pregnancy. These vaccines, such as the measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine, may need to be administered at least 4 weeks before a woman becomes pregnant. During pregnancy, women should receive vaccines against both the flu and whooping cough. This protects mom and also passes on protection to her baby before birth.

Adults

Even healthy adults can become seriously ill, and can pass illnesses on to others. All adults should get the flu vaccine each year and every adult should have one dose of Tdap. Other vaccines are recommended based on a person’s age, occupation or health conditions.

Vaccination is important because it protects you AND helps prevent the spread of disease– especially to those that are most vulnerable to serious complications such as infants, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions or weakened immune systems.

Everyone should have their vaccination needs assessed by their healthcare provider.
Contact us any time you have questions or concerns.
At Edina Sports + Family Medicine we care about all aspects of your health.