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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Augusta, Ga. – The emergence of the H1N1 influenza virus last spring and the rapid deployment of researchers to develop a vaccine for this novel – and in some cases deadly – flu strain is a frightening reminder that immunizations are vital to good health. The recent pertussis outbreak in California is another. As a new year of school begins, it’s important for parents to make sure that their children are up-to-date on immunizations.
Thanks to vaccines, many life-threatening diseases are practically unseen in the United States today. In short, vaccines save lives, so all healthy children should receive the recommended vaccines currently available.
Still, more than 900,000 children in America are not fully immunized. Some parents fear that vaccines will cause their child to develop a disease. Numerous studies, however, have been performed proving the safety of vaccines.
Immunizations sometimes have side effects, ranging from soreness at the injection site to a mild fever. Live-attenuated viruses may cause some fever and, in the case of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, a non-infectious rash. Both are easily remedied.
Use the following immunization checklist from the MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center as a springboard for discussions with your physician about which immunizations are needed and when.
¨ Hepatitis A
¨ Hepatitis B
¨ Influenza (for 2010, seasonal and H1N1 vaccines are combined)
¨ Measles, mumps, rubella
¨ Meningococcal
¨ Pneumococcal (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Prevnar)
¨ Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis and Tetanus-diphtheria
¨ Chickenpox
¨ Haemophilus influenzae type b
¨ Inactivated poliovirus vaccine
¨ HPV vaccine
¨ Rotavirus
Immunizations are an important part of well-child care. In addition, adults need periodic updating of immunizations, such as tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, influenza and herpes zoster. Talk to your doctor about the vaccines needed in your household and help give your family the best “shot” to a healthy life.
MCG Health, Inc. (d/b/a MCGHealth) is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCGHealth Medical Center, MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center, MCGHealth Cancer Center, Georgia Radiation Therapy Center, and related outpatient facilities and services throughout the state. For more information, please visit mcghealth.org.
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