The American Academy of Pediatrics recently reported that the number of cases of diseases that could be prevented through vaccinations is almost at a record low. Still, the viruses and bacteria that cause the diseases haven’t disappeared, making childhood immunizations as necessary as ever.
April 22-29 marks National Infant Immunization Week, and what better time to review your children’s immunization records to make sure they are complete? This is the first step toward making sure your children are protected from diseases such as polio, measles, diphtheria, rubella, mumps and tetanus. For a schedule of recommended immunizations, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) online.
According to an article published on the Texas A&M Health Science Center’s Hometown Health website, immunizations should begin during the child’s first month after birth and be completed by age two (children are more prone to diseases during their first two years of life).
For more information, visit CDC online or contact your physician. You can also receive immunizations free or at a reduced cost through your community’s public health clinic.
H.E.A.D.s Up is a monthly column that features articles on a wide array of Health, Exercise And Diet issues. Information for these articles is provided by health and wellness professionals from throughout the A&M System. If you have questions or story ideas for this column, email Ruth McMullan.