Immunization Awareness For: Pregnancy · Babies/Toddlers · Children · Teens · Adults
CDC.gov/Vaccines · Voices for Vaccines · Robert Wood Johnson Medical · N.J. Department of Health
Source: Centers For Disease Control
Every year, tens of thousands of Americans get sick from diseases that could be prevented by vaccines – some people are hospitalized, some even die. Immunization is our best protection against these diseases.
Vaccines are recommended for children, teens, and adults based on different factors like age, health conditions, lifestyle, jobs, and travel. Vaccination is a critical step in protecting those that are most vulnerable to illness – infants and young children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions and weakened immune systems. These vaccinations are recommended for certain age groups, and parents should keep their children’s vaccination histories up to date.
Expectant Mothers should be up to date on their vaccines before becoming pregnant. The measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine, may need to be administered at least 4 weeks before a woman becomes pregnant, and she should receive vaccines against both the flu and whooping cough (pertussis) during pregnancy.
Babies receive vaccinations that help protect them from 14 diseases by age 2. It is very important that babies receive all doses of each vaccine, as well as receive each vaccination on time. After age 2, children are still recommended to receive a yearly flu vaccine. Children will also be due for additional doses of some vaccines between 4 and 6 years of age.
Whether your children are starting a new year in child care, preschool, kindergarten, or elementary school, such facilities are prone to outbreaks of infectious diseases. These settings can easily spread illnesses due to poor hand washing, not covering coughs, and other factors such as interacting in crowded environments.
Teens and young adults, especially those who are college-bound, need vaccines because they are at increased risk for certain diseases like meningitis and cancer-causing HPV infections. It is important to get HPV vaccine before being exposed to HPV, as well for as whooping cough and flu.
Even healthy adults can become seriously ill, and can pass certain illnesses on to others. Everyone should have their vaccination needs assessed at their doctor’s office, pharmacy or other visits with healthcare providers. Certain vaccines are recommended based on a person’s age, occupation or health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes or heart disease.
Voices for Vaccines (VFV) is a parent-driven organization supported by scientists, doctors, and public health officials that provides parents clear, science-based information about vaccines and vaccine-preventable disease, as well as an opportunity to join the national discussion about the importance of on-time vaccination.