December 31, 2024 – Vaccinations are one of the greatest success stories in modern medicine. They save lives, protect communities, and prevent the spread of dangerous diseases. Whether you’re a parent considering vaccines for your child or an adult assessing your own vaccination needs, choosing to vaccinate is a powerful step in safeguarding the health of your family and community.
Why Vaccines Matter
Vaccines prevent and protect people from serious illnesses like measles, polio and the flu. They work by stimulating the immune system to fight infections without causing the disease itself. When most people in a community are vaccinated, it prevents outbreaks and protects those who can’t be vaccinated such as newborns or those with compromised immune systems. Back to school time can be a great time to access your child’s vaccination records.
Childhood vaccinations, or vaccines for children, protect against serious illnesses that were once common but are now preventable, such as:
- Measles: A highly contagious virus that can lead to severe complications.
- Whooping cough (pertussis): Particularly dangerous for infants.
- Polio: A disease that once caused widespread paralysis but is now nearly eradicated thanks to vaccines.
By following the recommended vaccination schedule, you give your child the best defense against these diseases during their most vulnerable years. Check out the Missouri program here!
Vaccines are not just for kids though. Adults also need to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations to protect themselves and their loved ones. Key vaccines for adults include:
- Influenza vaccine: Protects against the flu, which can be severe or even deadly, especially for older adults.
- COVID-19 vaccine: Reduces the risk of severe illness and complications.
- Shingles vaccine: Recommended for adults over 50 to prevent a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus.
- Tetanus booster: Recommended every 10 years to stay protected from this serious bacterial infection.
Vaccines save lives and keeping up with vaccinations is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay healthy. Check with your HCC healthcare provider or call one of our clinics at 877.344.3572 to schedule an appointment today to ensure you and your family are up to date on all recommended vaccines.
