National Immunization Awareness Month is a reminder children need vaccines right from the start.
Immunization gives parents the safe, proven power to protect their children from 14 serious and potentially deadly diseases before age 2.
To celebrate the importance of immunizations for a healthy start and throughout our lives – and to make sure children are protected with all the vaccines they need – Door County Medical Center is joining with partners nationwide in recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month. The first week of the month will focus on babies and young children and emphasize a healthy start for little ones begins with on- time vaccinations.
“Children who don’t receive recommended vaccines are at risk of getting the disease or illness and of having a severe case,” said Dr. John Arnold, who provides pediatric care at The Children’s Center of Door County Medical Center (DCMC). “Every dose of every vaccine is important to protect your child and others in the community from infectious diseases. I always ask parents if they have questions and I am happy to discuss the proven benefits of childhood vaccination.”
Today’s childhood vaccines protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, including polio, measles, whooping cough and chickenpox. There are many important reasons to make sure your child is vaccinated:
- Immunizations can protect your child from 14 serious diseases before they turn 2 years old.
Vaccination is very safe and effective.
- Immunizations can protect others you care about.
- Immunization can save your family time and money.
Immunization protects future generations by reducing the prevalence of serious diseases. When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk and can spread diseases to others in their family and community. Those at risk include babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer and other health conditions.
Parents can find out more about the recommended immunization schedule at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents or contact the Children’s Center of Door County Medical Center, 920-743-5566.