IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS MONTH
Many serious diseases may be prevented by vaccinations
or immunizations. Vaccines work to protect infants,
children, and adults from illnesses, disease,
and death caused by infectious diseases. Some
of these diseases that are preventable by receiving
the vaccination include polio, measles, diphtheria,
pertussis (whooping cough), rubella (German measles),
mumps, tetanus, and Haemophilus influenzae type
b (Hib). According to the Center for Disease Prevention
and Control, or CDC, “vaccines are the best
defense we have against infectious diseases”.
The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) work to make vaccines as safe as possible.
Unfortunately, no vaccine is completely safe or
effective. Mild, short lasting side effects are
not uncommon upon receiving vaccinations. These
mild side effects may include general discomfort,
a low fever, or soreness where the vaccine was
injected. Very rarely, people experience more
serious side effects such as an allergic reaction.
If someone has a reaction to a vaccine, it is
important to get him or her to a doctor right
away. Make sure to let your doctor know what happened,
the date and time you received the vaccine and
when you had the reaction. All significant reactions
are reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting
System (VAERS). The doctor, nurse, or health department
will file a form to report the reaction.
It is important for you to understand the benefits
and the potential risks of the vaccine before
you or your child receives it. There have been
concerns raised about the risks of receiving vaccinations
and some people should not get certain vaccines.
Some tips about receiving vaccinations:
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• Talk with your doctor about the benefits
and risks for you or your child.
• Keep the immunization records up to
date.
• Follow schedules provided to you by
your doctor or nurse.
• When traveling abroad, contact a doctor
or public health department as early as possible
to check on vaccines you may need.
For additional information about vaccines, visit
the National Immunization Program at www.cdc.gov/nip.
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