Vaccines help protect us from diseases and reduce the number of disease cases. Immunizations usually contain a tiny amount of the organism that causes the disease. It is enough to stimulate our immune system and form an antibody to combat the disease. Many vaccines are given only once, but some require several doses over time, or booster shots. Children and adults alike need to keep their immunizations up-to-date and also need to know their immunization history.


Children
Parents and caregivers must make sure that all children are vaccinated properly by the age of two. The following requirements for children entering school will ensure that they are protected against possible fatal illnesses. There are many resources to find out about the recommended vaccines and timeframe in which they should be given. Talk with your doctor about the Standard Childhood Immunization Schedule. Parents also should look into programs like Vaccines for Children Program (VFC). This program provides funding for vaccinations for eligible children. Children start to get vaccines at birth and through the first 18 months. Booster shots are given between 4 and 6 years.

Vaccines for children include:

• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (known as whooping cough)
• Polio
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella
• Chickenpox
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis A
• Haemophilus influenza type b disease, or Hib disease. This infection
  can lead to serious illness in young children, including pneumonia and meningitis.
• Pneumococcal disease. This infection can also case pneumonia and meningitis, as well as other serious illnesses, in young children.
• Flu (Influenza). This vaccine is not given to children under 6 months of age.

Adults
As adults you would think we would need fewer immunizations. That is not always the case: In fact, adults need vaccines just as much as children. Many adults are unaware of the importance of vaccines, and adults should make sure they are up-to-date, especially if they are traveling outside the US.

Talk with your doctor to see if you are in need any of the following vaccines:

• Chickenpox
• Hepatitis A and/or B
• Flu
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella
• Polio
• Pneumococcal Disease
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis

Seniors
Like children, seniors often have a weaker immune system. They should take precautions to reduce the outbreak of preventable diseases. We recommend that adults over 65 should get a flu shot annually to reduce the risks of pneumonia and hospitalization.

There has been an ongoing cultural disparity among people receiving these vaccines. Older Hispanic and African-American individuals have been vaccinated less than their Caucasian counterparts. This is a great concern in large urban areas, since an epidemic could begin in these sub-cultures.

Specifically, we will talk about the most important vaccination for adults. It is the Influenza Vaccine. This vaccine has an inactive virus, which is injected into an individual to make their body respond to fight the virus or produce an antibody. In the United States, approximately 90% of all influenza and pneumonia related deaths occurred in individuals older than 65 years. Since the flu is highly contagious and can lead to more serious diseases such as pneumonia, and even death, it is important to see your doctor when you “can’t seem to kick the flu.” So who really needs the flu shot? Well, many people.

The following groups have a higher risk of medical complications and should take precautions:

• People over 50 years and older
• Nursing home residents or other long term care facility
• People with chronic disorders of the lungs or heart, such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis or asthma
• People with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or individuals who are unable to fight infections.
• People who require regular medical attention, including those with kidney disease and blood cell diseases such as sickle cell anemia
• Children and teenagers, 6 months to 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment, who, if they catch influenza, could develop Reye’s Syndrome, causes coma, liver damage and death
• Woman who will be 6 months pregnant or will have just delivered during the flu season
• Health care workers
• Anyone living with any of the previously mentioned groups, due to how contagious it is

The Influenza season typically lasts from early to mid December and sometimes into the middle of January. It is best to get the Flu Vaccine in early October to mid November. But if you were unable to get it and actually came down with the flu, treatment is minimal; rest and clear fluids are the best medicine. Adults can take aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve fever and discomfort. If someone seems to have the flu for a long time, or if a child or a senior has the flu, make an appointment with your doctor.