National Immunization Awareness Month

National Immunization Awareness Month is a time to highlight the importance of vaccines throughout life - from pre-birth to older adults and everyone in between.

"Vaccines teach our immune systems how to fight off germs, providing long-term protection against illness," said Dr. Mary DiOrio, medical director for the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). "Along with a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, staying up to date on recommended immunizations is one of the best ways to keep up with your health."

Immunizations and Pregnancy

Receiving certain vaccines during pregnancy is safe and recommended. During pregnancy, a mother not only protects herself, but can also pass immunity to her baby, providing them with the best protection before they are even born.

Open conversations with your healthcare providers about vaccines before, during, and after pregnancy can prepare you and your baby for this exciting new chapter.

The following vaccines are typically recommended during pregnancy:

• Tdap: The whooping cough vaccine, Tdap, is recommended during each pregnancy. Whooping cough can be severe in adults, but it can be deadly for young babies. The Tdap vaccine is typically recommended during weeks 27-36 of each pregnancy to reduce the risk of whooping cough in babies younger than 2 months by 78%, according to a study published in the scientific journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.
• Flu vaccine: A flu vaccine is recommended if you are pregnant during flu season, as pregnancy increases the risk of severe illness from flu. Timing varies by person, but it's typically best to get a flu vaccine by the end of October to gain immunity before peak flu activity begins. Your healthcare provider can help you decide when is best.
• RSV: There are two options for protecting babies from RSV, and your healthcare provider can help you make the right choice. One option is getting an RSV vaccine during weeks 32-36 of a pregnancy if that time falls between September and January. Another option is RSV immunization for babies who are younger than 8 months old during their first RSV season (October-March); this option also helps protect babies whose moms received the vaccine during an earlier pregnancy.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your healthcare provider about which immunizations are best for you and your baby based on your health needs.

Childhood Immunizations

Routine vaccines help build your child's natural defenses against germs and teach their immune system how to fight illness. Children come into contact with thousands of germs each day. Immunizations help protect them from the illnesses and diseases those germs can cause.

The CDC's Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age outlines recommended vaccines from birth through age 18. Review this schedule prior to your pediatrician or family physician visits as it can help you prepare questions and help your child know what to expect at each visit.

Vaccines are also an important part of preparing for school and childcare. Ohio schools and daycares have varying vaccine requirements as children age. These requirements help ensure a healthy environment for all children to learn and grow by minimizing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Reviewing the Ohio Immunization Summary for School Attendance can help ease some of the stresses of back-to-school season. Some vaccines must be given at certain times and require multiple doses for maximum effectiveness.

Costs should not be a barrier for a child's health, and Ohio has programs in place to ensure all children are able to receive the immunizations they need regardless of a family's financial situation. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program removes cost barriers by covering vaccines for eligible children.

Immunizations for Adults

Vaccines are not just for kids; immunizations throughout adulthood offer protection from illness and disease. Factors such as age, health history, travel plans, sexual activity, and lifestyle can influence which vaccines may be recommended for you. Review your vaccine history, speak with your healthcare provider, and check out the CDC's Recommended Vaccinations for Adults page to help determine what vaccines you may need.

Outside of routine immunizations, adults should think about vaccines when planning international travel due to the increased risk of contact with diseases that aren't common in the United States. Consult with your healthcare provider for recommendations on vaccines, medications, and traveler health and safety information based on your destination. Be sure to plan ahead, because some vaccinations require more than one dose to complete the series.

Whether you're expecting a baby, raising a family, keeping healthy as you age, or planning your next international vacation, staying up to date on recommended vaccines is important.

"Vaccines help protect you, your loved ones, and your community from disease," said Dr. DiOrio. "This National Immunization Awareness Month, take some time to review your records and talk with your healthcare provider if you have any questions about protecting the health of you and your family."

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