April 22nd-29th is National Infant Immunization Week, a reminder for parents to stay up-to-date on their babies’ immunization schedules. Childhood vaccinations are a critical component of individual and community health. Vaccinating children keeps them safe from dangerous diseases and keeps vulnerable people safe as well!

This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.

 

Vaccines Keep Your Baby Safe

Vaccines work to keep your child safe by strengthening their immune system. According to the CDC, Children are exposed to thousands of germs every day. They are born with immune systems that can fight most germs, but some germs cause serious or even deadly diseases a baby can’t handle. Vaccines use very small amounts of antigens (parts of a germ that cause the body’s immune system to go to work) to help your child’s immune system recognize and learn to fight serious diseases.

 

Vaccines Protect Against Dangerous Diseases

The CDC reminds parents that different vaccines work in different ways, but every vaccine helps the body’s immune system learn how to fight germs. It typically takes a few weeks for protection to develop after vaccination, but that protection can last a lifetime. A few vaccines, such as those for tetanus or seasonal flu, require occasional booster doses to maintain the body’s defenses.

Vaccines have essentially eradicated diseases like Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Rubella, and Whooping Cough. They protect children from these and many other dangerous, and sometimes deadly diseases. Without vaccines, your child is at risk of becoming seriously ill or even dying from childhood diseases.

Parents can find more information on specific diseases on the CDC’s website HERE.

Vaccines are Safe

Before a new vaccine is ever given to people, extensive lab testing is done. Once testing in people begins, it can still take years before clinical studies are complete and the vaccine is licensed.

After a vaccine is licensed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), CDC, National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other federal agencies continue routine monitoring and investigate any potential safety concerns.

The CDC advises that it is always better to prevent a disease than to treat one after it occurs.

• Vaccination is a safe, highly effective, and easy way to help keep your family healthy.
• The recommended vaccination schedule balances when a child is likely to be exposed to a disease and when a vaccine will be most effective.
• Vaccines are tested to ensure they can be given safely and effectively at the recommended ages.

CDC vaccine information statements (VISs) explain both the benefits and risks of a vaccine. Your health care provider can give you the VIS for any vaccine.

Don’t Miss Your Shot!

Check out the link below for an easy to follow vaccination schedule:

Your child needs vaccines as they grow!

 

Tuscarawas County Health Department provides infant and childhood vaccines to all, regardless of ability to pay and folks can call 330-343-5555, ext. 1810 to schedule an appointment.