August is National Immunization Month, and Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems (SVCHS) wants to ensure that everyone is up-to-date on all their immunizations.
National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. This month highlights the value of getting recommended vaccines throughout all stages of life.
Immunizations play an important role in protecting your own health, and the health of your families and the surrounding communities. By taking immunizations, you have the power to protect yourself and your family with vaccines that prevent serious diseases like measles, the flu, whooping cough, Hepatitis A, pneumonia, and cancers caused by HPV.
SVCHS Pediatrician, Andrea McClintic, DO, said, “We make them wear their bike helmets and seat belts to protect from injury. We take them to the dentist to ensure that they have good oral health. We use sunscreen to protect their skin from damage. We, as parents and grandparents, love our children. Why would we not choose to protect them from suffering with devastating and potentially fatal illnesses such as cancer, meningitis, encephalitis, infections causing hearing loss, viruses that are crippling or cause extensive hospitalizations and so much more? Protect your child’s health and their future by keeping them up to date on recommended immunizations. “
While we think of children when we think of immunizations, they are not just for young children, they are for everyone of all ages. SVCHS encourages their patients to talk to their health care provider about the specific immunizations needed for their age and if they are up-to-date, as well.
For more information regarding immunizations or to schedule an appointment, call 276-496-4492.
