August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). The purpose of this month is to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. See below to learn the importance of vaccination broken down by age:
Pregnancy-
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, vaccination in important to keep you and your baby healthy. During pregnancy you share everything with your baby. Staying up to date on vaccines before and during pregnancy can pass protection along to your baby for the first few months after birth. Talk to your health care provider about vaccines you may need before, during and after pregnancy.
For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/growing/vaccination-during-pregnancy.html
The First Year-
Vaccination is an important part of giving children a healthy start during their first year. Vaccines are necessary to:
- Build high enough immunity to prevent disease.
- Boost immunity that weakens over time.
- Protect against germs that change overtime, such as the flu virus.
For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/growing/baby-vaccinations.html
Infant and Toddler Years (Ages 1 Through 3)-
As a child grows, he or she will need a few vaccines, including chickenpox (varicella) and measles, mumps, rubella (MMR). Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about what vaccines they may need during this time. If your child has missed any vaccines or fallen behind schedule, this is a good time to catch up.
For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/growing/toddler-vaccines.html
Starting School (Ages 4 Through 6)-
Starting school is an exciting time! But before your child heads to school make sure they are up to date on their vaccines. This is a great time to schedule an annual well visit. Your child’s healthcare provider will be able to tell you if they are due for any vaccines and fill out any paperwork that is required before starting school. Remember, school aged children should receive a flu vaccine each year!
For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/growing/school-vaccinations.html
Elementary School Years (Ages 7 Through 10)-
If your child received all recommended vaccines through age 6, the only vaccine that is recommended during these years is an annual flu vaccine. However, if a child has missed vaccines or is behind schedule this is a great time to catch up.
For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/growing/elementary-school-vaccines.html
Preteen Years (Ages 11 Through 12)-
During this time, protection from childhood vaccines begins to wear off. Also, adolescents need protection from additional infections before the risk of exposure increases. During the preteen years a child needs three vaccines:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects against infections that cause certain cancers.
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccine protects against meningococcal disease, which can lead to meningitis.
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
As always, this age group should also receive a flu vaccine each year.
For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/growing/preteen-vaccines.html
Teen Years (Ages 13 Through 18-
If your child has missed any vaccines, such as any doses of the HPV vaccine, talk to his or her healthcare provider about catching up. An additional dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine is also needed at age 16. Additional vaccines may also be needed for college or travel outside of the United States. A flu vaccine is needed each Fall as well.
For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/growing/vaccines-for-teens.html
Adulthood-
Establishing good habits through childhood, such as vaccination and annual wellness visits, will help you stay healthy as an adult.
All adults need a flu vaccine every year and Td vaccine every 10 years. Adults 50 and older should also get the shingles vaccine. Adults age 65 or older also need one dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) followed by one dose of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). Adults may also need additional vaccines based on their job, lifestyle and travel.
For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/growing/adult-vaccines.html
