When was the last time you checked to see if your immune system is up to date? This August, National Immunization Awareness Month raises awareness and encourages everyone to make sure they are current on the necessary vaccinations for potentially harmful diseases. Many diseases can be easily prevented by administering vaccines, and thus, protecting you from unseen viruses. Take the necessary precautions with a simple call to your doctor, and avoid potential harm while leading a healthy, happy life.
1. Call your doctor
The only way to be absolutely certain about what vaccinations you’ve received is to gather your medical records. Contact your doctor and request your immunization records to determine whether or not you are up to date.
2. Encourage friends to do the same
Just because you feel healthy doesn’t mean you don’t need to be vaccinated. Unlike most medicines, which treat or cure diseases, vaccines prevent them. When you check your immunization records, encourage friends to do the same, and you can all make sure you are up to date.
3. Know your family history
A family medical history can reveal the history of disease in your family and help a doctor identify patterns that might be relevant to your own health. This will allow the doctor to be best informed about recommending vaccines for immunization.
1. Immunization protects our children
Vaccination protects children from serious illness and complications of many diseases, including amputation of an arm or leg, paralysis of limbs, hearing loss, convulsions, brain damage, and death.
2. Immunization is safe
Vaccination is safe and effective. All vaccines undergo long and careful review by scientists, doctors, and the federal government to make sure they are safe.
3. We owe it to everyone
We all have a public health obligation to our communities to protect ourselves as well as others from potential health risks. By getting vaccinated, we eliminate diseases before they have a chance to spread.
