Make sure your kids’ vaccinations are up-to-date!
If you have school age children, your summer home work is to check to see that their immunizations are current. If the medical file you keep on them at home isn’t complete, call their pediatrician to see if any immunizations are needed before the first day of school.
“It’s important for adults to keep up with their family’s immunization schedule,” said Richard Vienne, D.O., Univera Healthcare vice president and chief medical officer.
Immunizations, also known as vaccinations, are mostly given as shots. They protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases such as polio, measles and pertussis, also known as whooping cough.
“Immunizations are proven to protect against diseases that pose real threats in our community,” said Vienne. “In recent years, for example, we’ve seen local school districts send home notices about outbreaks of whooping cough, a disease that’s potentially fatal to infants and the elderly.”
A recent Univera Healthcare report detailed how a person infected with whooping cough can spread the disease to up to 15 people, and unvaccinated children are eight times more likely to become infected than children who receive the five recommended vaccine doses.
“When children aren’t current with their immunizations, they’re not only at increased risk for catching serious diseases, but also for spreading them to others in the classroom and the community,” said Vienne.
According to the website Vaccines.gov, immunizations can save your child’s life, safeguard others, help reduce out-of-pocket medical costs, and protect future generations
“Talk to your child’s doctor if you have any questions or concerns about immunizations,” advised Vienne. “It’s also important for adults to be vaccinated, so reach out to your own primary care physician to see if you are due for any shots.”
