For many families, August marks the end of summer and beginning of another school year, but did you know that August is also National Immunization Awareness Month? Now is the perfect time to ensure that you are caught up on your shots, and to encourage friends, family and coworkers to do the same.
Although it’s common to associate vaccinations with young children, kids aren’t the only ones who require immunizations. In fact, considering the prevalence of the flu each winter, everyone older than 6 months needs a seasonal flu shot every year. Use the guidelines below to learn which vaccines people require at different ages:
Children:
Children under age 6 need a series of shots to protect against chicken pox, hepatitis, polio and measles.
Preteens:
- All 11- and 12-year-olds require shots to protect against whooping cough, meningitis, diphtheria, and tetanus.
- Many doctors also recommend that girls get the 3-dose HPV vaccine, which protects against the most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.
Adults:
- All adults need a tetanus booster shot every 10 years.
- 65-year-olds require a one-time pneumonia shot.
When it comes to immunization requirements, not every family’s situation is the same. Immunization requirements may stand in the way of a child’s school enrollment as well as an international vacation, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about your family’s plans. Use National Immunization Awareness Month to ensure that you and your loved ones are up to date on your shots, and to encourage immunization awareness among your family and friends. For additional health and safety information, please subscribe to our blog or contact us.