National Immunization Awareness Month is recognized in August and aims to bring education and awareness to the importance of your child receiving vaccines. From the time each of us is born, we typically attend regular well-child visits with our pediatrician to gauge our development and overall wellness. This level of care is essential in the prevention of serious illness or health-related complications.
The Importance of Well-Child Visits and Vaccinations
Well-child visits and vaccinations go together and are a critical part of ensuring our children remain healthy. Vaccines help protect us from illness and diseases such as pertussis (whooping cough) and measles, which are very contagious and, if left untreated, can be deadly. Younger children and babies are especially vulnerable to these diseases because their immune system is not yet strong enough to fight off many diseases and illnesses.
During your well-child appointments, your doctor can track your child’s growth and identify if they are developing as expected, as well as schedule vaccinations.
Vaccination Benefits
With the help of science and modern medicine, vaccinations help protect your child from the following diseases:
- Chickenpox
- Hepatitis A
- Diphtheria
- Flu
- HPV
- Measles/Mumps
- Polio
- Meningococcal
- Hepatitis A & B
- Pneumococcal
- Rubella
- Rotavirus
- Tetanus
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
Many people today have never been exposed to these diseases, and that is because over time, a large part of the population has received immunizations.
Schools Require Vaccination Records
Most public schools in the United States require children to be up to date on their vaccination schedule to attend. This is based on science and research that shows the spread of disease and illness is greatly decreased through the implementation of vaccinations and regular well-child appointments.
Most doctors pass out literature or provide a link parents can click on that describes the exact vaccinations their child is receiving, what to expect after it is administered, and if there are any side effects, such as soreness around the injection site.
Greater Waterbury Imaging Center (GWIC) proudly supports National Immunization Awareness Month and cares deeply about the overall health and wellness of each patient they serve. We are committed to delivering exceptional care and encourage you to attend all well-child appointments with your doctor.
Greater Waterbury Imaging Center (GWIC) is a team of knowledgeable, skilled, and compassionate MRI technologists who work with your doctor to ensure you receive the highest level of care and treatment. Stay up to date on your immunizations, and contact us for all your MR imaging services.