August is National Immunization Awareness Month.   Most people take immunizations for granted because they are government issued and recommended. 

People don’t take into account the benefits of being vaccinated. Immunizations are a perfect way to use inexpensive and preventative medical precautions to offset rising healthcare costs.

With fall around the corner, getting your children up to date on their immunizations is a good way to get prepared for back-to-school. There are a number of reasons why we need immunizations. They are for the old and young alike.   The elderly and young children are at higher risks to develop flu from the common cold.  Just think: it can be prevented by receiving a flu vaccination!  Although you still have a slight chance of getting a mild case of the sickness you took the immunization for, that does not compare to the how severe the actual illness would be. Vaccinations boost immunity to fight common sicknesses. Your body keeps a copy of the illness for its “files,” so whenever it appears again, your body will know how to fight and prevent against it.

Did you know that diseases that cause plagues are only at bay because we vaccinate against them, not because they are completely gone?  As long as we continue to give immunizations for those particular diseases, there will not be an outbreak. Also people might need immunizations for a job, to attend day cares, or other schools.  To travel internationally, some vaccinations are required, to prevent bringing infectious diseases into or out of a country.

Published 07/24/09