Health Officials Stress The Importance Of Vaccines

August marks National Immunization Awareness Month, a time to emphasize the vital role vaccines play in protecting people of all ages from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. As children prepare to head back to school, ensuring they are up-to-date with their vaccinations is more important than ever.

Alma Jimenez, a physician assistant, explained the significance of vaccines in safeguarding our health.

“Vaccines are very safe and an effective way to protect us all against life-threatening illnesses. Essentially, what they do is stimulate our bodies’ natural defenses to form resistance against these diseases and protect us before we come in contact with them.”

As students gear up for the new school year, parents are reminded to ensure their children receive essential vaccines, such as those for measles and chickenpox.

“It’s important for school-age children to have their Hepatitis A vaccines, their Tetanus vaccines, as well as diphtheria and pertussis. Children between the ages of 11 and 12 should also get their meningococcal vaccine and the human papillomavirus vaccine.”

With flu season just around the corner, Jimenez stresses the importance of adults getting their flu shots as soon as they become available. These vaccines offer robust protection against the flu, reducing the risk of severe illness.

Jimenez also addressed the importance of the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine, which is expected to be released in early fall.

“The CDC is recommending that as long as we have the latest, most updated COVID vaccine, we should all be very protected against COVID. COVID is back up on the rise, and as long as we have some protection or some immunity, it reduces COVID-related hospitalizations and COVID-related deaths.”

For more information on vaccines, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at CDC.gov.