Immunizations are an important weapon against the spread of contagious and deadly illnesses and diseases. Immunizations are also for people of all ages, from infants to adults to seniors.

Why You Need Immunizations

Not long ago, before vaccines were invented, millions died from flu, polio, and other serious diseases. Now, thanks to vaccines, many diseases are on the decline or have been nearly eliminated. When you and your family are vaccinated, it helps prevent the spread of illness and disease. Immunizations help protect you too.

The Truth about Vaccines

There is a lot of misinformation about vaccines. These are the facts. Vaccines are:

• Effective – vaccines have a success rate of 905 to 99%
• Safe – vaccines have been rigorously tested and approved by the FDA and CDC before they are released to the public
• Easy – vaccines are easily tolerated and take only a few seconds to administer
• Budget-friendly – vaccines are covered by insurance as a preventive treatment

Immunizations for Children

Children are one of the most vulnerable age groups because the immune systems of children are not as robust as those of an adult. When a child becomes ill, symptoms are often more severe. These are the required immunizations published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) from birth to age 18:

• Hepatitis B
• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis
• Haemophilus influenza type B
• Polio
• Pneumococcal conjugate
• Rotavirus
• Measles, mumps, rubella
• Chickenpox
• Hepatitis A
• Human papillomavirus
• Meningococcal conjugate
• Flu
• COVID

Immunizations for Adults and Seniors

Seniors are also vulnerable to severe complications from illnesses and diseases. They are often compromised by other diseases like cancer, heart disease, and immune system problems, which can lessen the body’s ability to fight illness and disease. These are the recommended vaccinations for adults and seniors:

• Flu
• Pneumonia
• Shingles
• COVID

What You Need to Do

To learn more about immunizations and how they can protect both the children and the adults in your family, call Dr. Karen Vaughn, at Vaughn Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, in Bellmead, TX. You can reach her in the office by calling (254) 335-5844, so call today.