Vaccines are among the most effective tools for preventing serious diseases. They activate the immune response, helping the body fight off and remember the virus or bacteria to attack it if it invades again.
"Few people alive today remember life before vaccines," says Ruben Halperin, MD, MPH, Medical Director of Quality for Providence Health Plan. "Childhood diseases like measles, mumps, and polio routinely spread through society, causing frequent illness and occasional disability and death. Vaccinations have brought measles and polio to the brink of eradication, though recent declines in rates of children getting vaccinated have delayed that goal."
During National Immunization Awareness Month, it's important to highlight that while people often think about vaccines during childhood, the benefits of vaccination extend to people of all ages.
"Vaccination helps slow the spread of a disease through a population," Dr. Halperin says. "They provide immunity and decrease the number of people a virus can infect. If enough people in a population are vaccinated, the virus won't be able to spread and will die out."
Dr. Halperin says the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) provides up-to-date, evidence-based recommendations on which vaccinations should be given, at what ages they should be given, the number of and time between doses, and whether there are any people who shouldn't receive a particular vaccine. Here is a roundup of some of the most common immunizations.
Immunizations for Children
Vaccines protect infants and children from serious diseases like polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and whooping cough. A well-child visit schedule includes recommended vaccinations at specific ages to gain maximum protection from infectious illnesses. The most common childhood vaccines include:
Children who stay on schedule with these vaccines finish their shots around age 6. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and pediatricians also recommend other vaccines throughout childhood, including during the teen years. They provide a full schedule.
Immunizations During Pregnancy
Protecting both mother and baby is crucial during pregnancy. Certain vaccines, such as the flu shot and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), are recommended for pregnant women. These vaccines help shield the mother from illness and provide some protection for the newborn.
Immunizations for Adults
While many adults may believe their immunization days are over, staying current on vaccines plays a significant role in continued health. Some vaccines recommended for adults include:
As people age, their immune systems naturally weaken, making them more susceptible to certain diseases. Vaccines are crucial in protecting older adults. In addition to the vaccines recommended for adults, older adults may also benefit from vaccines against hepatitis A and B, Shingles, and more.
By staying up-to-date on recommended vaccines, you are protecting yourself and contributing to community immunity, which helps shield those who cannot be vaccinated. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for you or your family.
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