Immunization Awareness 2021: Get Back on Track with Routine Vaccines
CDC.org Immunzation Schedules · Pediatric Info · Adult Info · New Jersey Dept. Health · Covid Vaccination Sites
The New Jersey Department of Health encourages New Jerseyans to use National Immunization Awareness Month as an opportunity to make sure your vaccinations are up to date.
Childhood vaccines protect against 16 serious diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps, rubella, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox) and pneumococcal disease, thereby reducing the spread of disease to others in classrooms, child care centers and communities.
Everyone six months of age and older is recommended to receive a yearly flu vaccine. Benefits of flu vaccination include reduced flu illnesses, fewer doctors’ visits and fewer flu-related hospitalizations.
As children get older, they need to be protected from certain diseases like pertussis (whooping cough), meningococcal disease, and infections that can lead to cancers associated with human papillomavirus (HPV).
The need for vaccines does not end in childhood. Adults may need vaccines to protect against whooping cough, pneumonia, and shingles. Vaccination is especially important for those who suffer from chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma.
All pregnant women are advised to receive flu vaccine, and for whooping cough vaccine (Tdap) early in their third trimester during each pregnancy. Vaccinating women against these diseases is a safe and effective way to help protect both mother and child.
Most health insurance plans cover recommended immunizations. Parents who need help paying for vaccines should ask their child’s healthcare provider about the Vaccines for Children program. Adults who are uninsured or do not have insurance for certain vaccines should contact their local health department or federally qualified health center to see if they qualify for no- or low-cost vaccines through the 317-funded program.
Vaccines are frequently available at doctor offices, as well as other convenient locations, such as pharmacies, workplaces, community health clinics and health departments.
Information about vaccines, recommended immunization schedules for all age groups and can be found at the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/. Visit covid19.nj.gov/finder to find the nearest Covid vaccination sites.