With the devastating impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had throughout the world, immunization awareness is as relevant as ever. In this article, we are going to discuss facts pertaining to the immunization for various health conditions along with some helpful information on the vaccination process.
Vaccinations for Young Children
Developing children may be more susceptible to contracting certain diseases and/or viruses; because they have had less exposure to germs and other foreign substances, these health conditions can have a more drastic effect on them compared to adults. There are several vaccinations the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children receive in order to prevent them from unnecessarily contracting diseases. Some of these include vaccinations for:
- Polio
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Hepatitis B
- Chickenpox
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis
- Haemophilus influenzae
In the United States, over 80% of children between the ages of 19 and 35 months are currently receiving vaccinations for all of these health conditions.
Vaccinations for Adults
Vaccinations for adults include many of the ones just mentioned, along with other recommended immunizations that change with age. If you would like to learn about the vaccinations you should be receiving, take a look at the CDC’s Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule for ages 19 years or older.
Additional Vaccination Facts
Infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems (like those undergoing cancer treatment) are especially vulnerable to infectious disease. For example, newborn babies are too young to be vaccinated against whooping cough. Unfortunately, whooping cough can be very dangerous or even deadly for them. Pregnant women should get the Tdap vaccine during every pregnancy to help protect their babies from whooping cough. Anyone who is around babies should be up to date with their whooping cough vaccine.
–CDC
Finding Vaccines in Your Area
Vaccines may be available at private doctor offices, pharmacies, workplaces, community health clinics, health departments or other community locations, such as schools and religious centers. If your primary healthcare provider does not stock all the vaccines recommended for you, ask for a referral.
Federally funded health centers can provide services if you don’t have health insurance or a regular source of health care – you pay what you can afford based on your income. Locate a health center near you.
You can also contact your state health department to learn more about where to get vaccines in your community.
–CDC
COVID-19 Immunization
Along with practicing social distancing, regularly washing your hands, and wearing a mask in public, the COVID-19 vaccine can help ensure we win the battle against this virus. Tens of millions of people throughout the United States have already received their COVID-19 vaccine doses. If you have not yet been vaccinated, please visit the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccination Guide.
