Observing National Immunization Awareness Month

Observing National Immunization Awareness Month

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sponsors National Immunization Awareness Month every August to highlight the importance of vaccinations for people of all ages. Since many parents are preparing to send their kids back to school this month, Pegalis Law Group, LLC has provided an overview of which vaccinations are needed for toddlers, elementary-age children, teens, and even adults. Vaccines help protect people from many preventable illnesses and diseases. Talk to your doctor to see which vaccines are suitable for you and your family, including COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.

Recommended Vaccines for Infants & Toddlers (Birth to Age 2)

It’s important to keep up with pediatric vaccines because they help provide immunity before kids are exposed to potentially life-threatening illnesses and diseases. The CDC recommends everyone over the age of six months should get an annual flu shot. Other suggested infant and toddler vaccines include:

• Chickenpox (varicella)
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Hepatitis A and B
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
• Pneumococcal (PCV13)
• Polio (IPV)
• Rotavirus (RV)

Recommended Vaccines for Elementary-Age Children (3-10)

Most schools require proof of immunization to enroll your child in school. Many vaccines require multiple doses during the elementary years to be their most effective. Suggested vaccines through the elementary school years include:

• Chickenpox (varicella)
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
• Flu
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
• Polio (IPV)

Recommended Vaccines for Teens & Pre-Teens (11-18)

As your child enters their teens, some childhood vaccines need to be updated to extend their level of protection. There are also new risks of exposure to certain infections that you’ll want to protect them from, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV). Should your teen decide to travel outside the United States or go away to college, additional vaccines may be recommended. Here’s a starting point for suggested vaccines during the pre-teen and teen years:

• Flu
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Meningococcal conjugate
• Serogroup B meningococcal
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)

Recommended Vaccines for Adults

Because influenza viruses are constantly in flux, adults should remember to get their annual flu shot. If you’re 50 or older, you should consider a shingles vaccine. Adults over 65 should also consider one dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine followed by a dose of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. If you have a chronic health condition, you may want to get one or both of these vaccines even younger. Once every 10 years, you’ll also need to update your tetanus vaccination.

Recommended Vaccines During Pregnancy

Expectant mothers should stay up-to-date with recommended vaccines before and during pregnancy to help their babies develop immunity to certain diseases after birth. Vaccines also help protect against conditions that could cause miscarriages or birth defects. Suggested vaccines during pregnancy include:

• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
• Flu

Dedicated to Creating Proactive Patients for Nearly 50 Years

Pegalis Law Group, LLC has represented clients with personal injury and medical malpractice cases for nearly 50 years. Our New York-based law firm is also dedicated to educating the public about being proactive about their healthcare. Please visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to receive additional insights to keep you and your loved ones safe, healthy, and happy.