Immunization Awareness month (Get Protected)

Vaccinations continue to be one of the most essential health tools used to help keep our community strong and viable.There are a lot of misunderstandings and myths about vaccines that keep people from getting the necessary treatments they need to stay healthy. Follow the below tips and strategies to make sure that your family and friends are up-to-date on their immunizations

How do vaccines work?
When you receive a vaccine, it helps your body create antibodies. Antibodies are the body's defenses that fight off any foreign substances (germs). Although your body can create antibodies on its own, most of the vaccine-preventable diseases cause severe illness and even death before enough antibodies are produced.

Why are Vaccines important?

• Global Disease Control- Vaccines are responsible for the control of many infectious diseases that were once common. Vaccines have reduced and, in some cases, eliminated many diseases that once routinely killed or harmed tens of thousands of infants, children and adults. This is why maintaining high immunization rates protects the entire community (and the entire planet) by interrupting the transmission of disease-causing bacteria or viruses.

• Many Dangerous Diseases Are Still Going Strong -The viruses and bacteria that cause vaccine-preventable diseases and death still exist and can infect people who are not protected by vaccines.

• Diseases Waste Time & Money- Vaccine-preventable diseases have a costly impact, resulting in doctors' visits, hospitalizations and premature deaths. Sick children can also cause parents to lose time from work.

Why Do Adults Still Need Their Shots?

Some adults incorrectly assume that the vaccines they received as children will protect them for the rest of their lives. For some illnesses this is true, but in general, vaccines aren't just for kids. Far too many adults become ill, are disabled, and die each year from diseases that could easily have been prevented by vaccines. Thus everyone from young adults to senior citizens can benefit from immunizations.

• Some adults were never vaccinated (or were not sufficiently vaccinated) as children
• Newer vaccines were not available when some adults were children
• Immunity can begin to fade over time
• As we age, we become more susceptible to serious disease caused by common infections, such as the flu.

Vaccine-Preventable Childhood Diseases

• Diphtheria
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Influenza
• Measles
• Meningococcal
• Mumps
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Pneumococcus
• Polio
• Rotavirus
• Rubella (German measles)
• Tetanus (lockjaw)
• Varicella (chickenpox

Vaccine-Preventable Adult Diseases

• Diphtheria
• Herpes Zoster (shingles)
• Influenza (flu)
•Pneumococcus
• Tetanus (lockjaw)

Immunization Schedules

To benefit the most from immunizations, it’s important to get them at the right times. Below is a guide to help you figure out what shots you need and when:

Adult immunization schedule

Remember that immunizations are for everyone. Getting a shot may not exactly be the highlight of your day, but staying on your immunization schedule can not only ensure that you and your family are protected, but can actually help you do your part in keeping your entire community safe - from your workplace to your church.

Reference : Blackhealth/doctor.