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Bringing Awareness To The Importance Of Immunization's!
Being August is National Immunization Awareness Month, we wanted to take some time to focus on the importance of this sometimes controversial topic. There are many questions and concerns that surround vaccinating our children and ourselves. Making the decision for yourself and your family to be vaccinated can be trial some, but we hope to put your mind at ease, at least a little bit when faced with the dilemma over immunizations.
Babies / Young Children. It’s critical to get babies and young children their recommended vaccinations, regularly. Their immune systems are not developed enough to be able to fight off germs as you or I could. By getting them vaccinated, they are less likely to contract infectious diseases such as measles, mumps, whooping cough and the flu. If you don’t have insurance and need help paying for immunizations, your child may be eligible for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. This federal program provides vaccines for eligible children at no cost for the vaccine itself, although an administration fee may apply.
Adults. As adults, we often think that we don’t need to get immunizations as often or at all because our immune systems are fully developed and equipped to fight off disease. Think again, even though our immunities have developed significantly since we were children, there are still numerous factors that play a part in our genetics that can make us susceptible to infectious diseases. Not to mention, you may also be at risk for illnesses due to your job, lifestyle, travel or communities. Also, as an adult, vaccinations can help you stay ahead of any future health complications. The Hepatitis B vaccine lowers your risk of liver cancer and the HPV vaccine lowers your risk of cervical cancer, just to name a few. Talk with your provider, as a source for more information related to vaccines you should be getting as an adult.
Elderly. Similar to babies and young children, vaccines are critical to older and aging adults because their immune systems weaken. This makes it much harder for the body to fight off serious infections. We’ve seen several older adults (ages 65+) come down with the flu, pneumonia, even shingles. These are serious illnesses, and even more concerning with age, as they can cause hospitalization and even death. Getting vaccinated in your older years can help you stay healthy as you age. If you have Medicare Part B or Part D coverage, you can check to see what your out-of-pocket expenses may be for vaccines. Have a conversation with your medical provider about what immunizations are recommended at this time in your life.
At SIHF Healthcare, we want you and your families to live happy and healthy. Part of your overall health involves getting regular immunizations. Our medical providers encourage you to come in and see us, ask questions, and spend some time learning what vaccines are best for that particular time in life. Click here to learn more about the vaccination services we offer for patients of all ages. And if you are not currently a patient of SIHF Healthcare, click here for a list our 30+ locations to find one near you. We are always accepting new patients, so don't hesitate to call one of our local health centers today!