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determined by factors such as your age and lifestyle. Are there risks? In the past there have been many misconceptions surrounding childhood vaccinations. Due to concerns over safety, many parents have opted out of routine vaccinations, with many celebrities even launching antivaccination campaigns. But health experts are urging against this, suggesting that vaccinations aren’t just safe, but necessary. “Vaccines are safe and effective,” D’Souza says. “Before vaccines are made available to the public, they are extensively studied, tested and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).” And while some may experience discomfort, redness, or tenderness at the site of injection this is minimal compared to the pain, discomfort, and trauma of the diseases these vaccines prevent. “You want your child to get the most out of school and being healthy contributes to their success,” D’Souza says. “To keep your child healthy, and to get the school year started off right, you need to develop a health plan and stick to it.” So, where can parents go to get their children immunized? The best place to start is with your child’s pediatrician or regular healthcare provider. Additionally, the Maricopa County Childhood Immunization Partnership offers immunization clinics in the Valley where children can receive vaccinations. For more information, visit mcchip.org. 202
Vaccine preventable diseases do not discriminate by age. So getting immunized is your best shot at protecting your children (and yourself) from infectious diseases. Celebrate National Immunization Awareness Month this August by making sure your child gets all their necessary vaccinations.
Not sure what vaccinations your child needs?
Check with your primary physician or pediatrician for up-todate records of your child’s immunizations. The recommended vaccination schedules for childhood vaccines can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, cdc.gov. Some of the recommended vaccinations include: • Hepatitis B • Tetanus • Diphtheria • Pertussis • Polio • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella); and • Meningococcal But vaccinations shouldn’t stop there. “While it’s easy to think of vaccines as an early childhood necessity, the truth is that immunization is just as important for teens, college students and adults,” D’Souza says. In fact, adults are encouraged to continue getting their annual influenza (flu) shot as well as Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough), human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV), and Meningococcal disease vaccine, to name a few. Specific immunizations needed as an adult are
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