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Vaccinating our children is common in the United States. However, few adults know they need vaccines, and even fewer are fully vaccinated. Berger Health System is joining with partners nationwide in recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month.
“Every year, thousands of Americans suffer serious health problems, are hospitalized, or even die from diseases that could have been prevented by vaccination,” said Dr. Jill Barno, VP of Medical Affairs at Berger Health System. “There is a misconception among many adults that vaccines are just for children. The truth is, you never outgrow the need for immunizations.”
Vaccine-preventable diseases have the potential to make you very sick, but if you get sick, you may risk spreading certain diseases to others, a risk most of us are not willing to take. Infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems (like those undergoing cancer treatment) are especially vulnerable to infectious diseases.
Every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other medical experts update vaccine recommendations for children, teens and adults based on the latest research and evidence-based science on vaccine safety, effectiveness and patterns of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Vaccines are a crucial step in staying healthy; protect yourself and the ones you love. Talk to your health care provider to find out which vaccines are right for you and your family.
If you need a primary care provider, please call Berger Health System at 740-420-8422 for more information on primary care providers accepting new patients.
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
