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SIHF Healthcare Discusses Vaccines During Immunization Awareness Month
SIHF Healthcare is taking some time to discuss an important subject, vaccinations. This comes as August is National Immunization Awareness Month.
Part of our overall health involves getting regular immunizations, for both our children and ourselves.
“It is important for infants and young children to get their recommended vaccinations,” says Chris Suhre, MD in Pediatrics for SIHF Healthcare in Bethalto, Ill. “Infants and children are more susceptible to illnesses that can be prevented by vaccination. By putting them on a regular vaccination schedule, they are less likely to contract infectious diseases such as measles, mumps, whooping cough, meningitis and the flu. There are vaccinations that even reduce one’s risks of developing certain cancers.”
Similar to babies and young children, vaccines are critical to older and aging adults because their immune system weakens, making it much harder for their bodies to fight off serious infections.
“Even as an adult, I highly recommend staying current on your immunizations,” Suhre adds. “Regardless of your age, you can contract infectious diseases which could spread to others in your everyday environment. Whooping cough is a good example. As adult immunity to pertussis wanes, we see more children affected.”
The medical providers at SIHF Healthcare encourage you to make an appointment to come in, ask questions, and spend some time learning about the importance of immunizations. Click here to learn more about the vaccination services SIHF offers for patients of all ages. Click here for a list of the 30+ health center locations to find one near you.
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About SIHF Healthcare
SIHF Healthcare operates a network of more than 30 health centers across 11 Illinois counties with more than 140 medical providers who deliver comprehensive healthcare services including: adult, family, women’s health, pediatrics, pediatric dental services, behavioral health, and population health services. As one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Center networks in the country, SIHF Healthcare is devoted to leading individuals and communities to their healthiest lifestyle regardless of their ability to pay. For more information, visit www.sihf.org.