The Fidelis Care Blog

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. It’s a time to highlight the importance of vaccines for people of all ages. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community from serious diseases. Staying up to date with recommended immunizations helps prevent the spread of illness and keeps everyone healthier. Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about which vaccines are right for you and your family.

Immunizations for Children
Vaccinations help protect children from serious diseases like measles, mumps, and whooping cough. Vaccines are safe and effective, and do not cause autism. Millions of children safely receive vaccines each year. Ask your child’s pediatrician about the vaccinations they need. Ask your child’s pediatrician about catching up on missed vaccinations. Your child isn’t fully vaccinated against a disease until they get all recommended doses.

Remember, children in New York State going to public, private, and religious schools, pre-K, and day care must get vaccinated. Your child’s pediatrician will make sure your child has the vaccines required for school.

Your child’s annual visit is the perfect time to ask questions about vaccinations.
 

Immunizations for Adolescent Children (11–12-year-olds)

• Meningococcal Vaccine: This vaccine protects against bacteria that can cause meningitis and blood infections. These infections are rare, but they can be very dangerous. Teens also need a second shot of the meningococcal vaccine when they turn 16.
• Tetanus-Diphtheria-Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine: The Tdap vaccine is the best way to protect preteens and teens from getting pertussis, also known as whooping cough. The coughing can be severe. It can cause preteens and teens to miss school, sports, and activities. In infants, whooping cough spreads easily and can be deadly.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: The HPV vaccine protects against most HPV infections that can lead to cancer. The vaccine cannot cause HPV infection or cancer.

Routine Immunizations for Children and Adults

• Flu vaccine (influenza)
• Tdap vaccine (includes tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough) or Td vaccine (tetanus and diphtheria)
• COVID-19 vaccine:
  • Recommended for adults age 18 and older.
  • For children age 6 months to 17 years old, parents should discuss the benefits of vaccination with a healthcare provider
     

Additional Vaccines for Older Adults

• Shingles vaccine (zoster): Get this vaccine at age 50. It prevents shingles and the most common complication, post-herpetic neuralgia.
• Pneumococcal vaccine: Get this vaccine at age 65. It protects against various infections, including pneumonia, and is particularly important for individuals with certain medical conditions.
• COVID-19 vaccine: Strongly recommended for adults age 65 years and older

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Immunizations for Pregnant People
If you are pregnant, it is important to be up to date on your vaccines. This will help protect you and your child from serious diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant individuals get vaccines during every pregnancy:

• Flu vaccine: If you are pregnant during flu season, getting the flu vaccine can protect you and your baby for several months after birth from flu-related complications.
• Tdap vaccine: You can get the Tdap vaccine at any time during pregnancy. The CDC recommends getting the Tdap vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, to protect yourself and your baby from pertussis, also known as whooping cough.
• RSV vaccine: People who are 32 through 36 weeks pregnant during September through January should get one dose of maternal RSV vaccine to protect their babies. RSV season can vary around the country.
• COVID-19 vaccine: Requires a discussion between the patient and their healthcare provider to determine necessity.

Schedule an appointment to get your vaccines by visiting your PCP or pharmacy. Find a location near you at www.fideliscare.org/findadoctor or www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines.