When it comes to protecting your health, immunizations are one of the most effective tools we have for minimizing the spread of infectious disease.
Vaccines have allowed us to control many infectious diseases that were once prevalent in this country and around the world, including polio, measles, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), rubella (German measles), mumps, tetanus and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Smallpox, one of the most harmful diseases in history, has been eradicated due to vaccines.
“The consequences of many of these diseases are substantial and may be fatal,” says CHI St. Alexius Health Pediatrician Menelik Mulu, MD. “Immunizations should be a priority for everyone, particularly those who are most vulnerable to severe disease such as infants, young children, the elderly and those who are immunosuppressed.”
When should immunizations begin?
One of the first decisions new parents make after the birth of a child is to have their new baby immunized. Getting your child immunized is one the best decisions you can make to protect your baby against the spread of infectious diseases. A new baby’s immune system is not yet developed, making a baby very susceptible to disease during the first few years of life.
Keeping up with your child’s well-child exams allows your doctor to make sure your child stays current on their immunizations. Annual physicals also allow your doctor to monitor your child’s developmental, emotional and social health. Early identification of potential issues and intervention will enable your doctor to get your child the appropriate resources so they don’t fall behind.
How safe are vaccines?
For the vast majority of the population, vaccines are completely safe. Some people may experience mild redness, tenderness or swelling at the vaccine site or a low-grade fever. “These symptoms are minimal compared to the benefits they will receive over the long term.” Dr. Mulu said.
Fears that vaccines can cause allergies, autism or other conditions have all been found to be untrue.
It’s important to remember that vaccines protect the people who receive them as well as everyone around them. “People who choose not to get vaccinated may become part of the initiation and spread of infectious diseases that can cause severe complications and can even be fatal,” Dr. Mulu said.
Below are Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended vaccinations by age group:
Birth to 15 months
- Hepatitis B (HepB)
- Rotavirus (RV)
- Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13)
- Inactivated poliovirus (IPV) Influenza (11v4)
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) Varicella (VAR)
- Hepatitis A (HepA)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Meningococcal Meningococcal B (MenB)
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23)
- Dengue (only if living in dengue endemic areas and had previous dengue infection)
18 months to 18 years
- Hepatitis B (HepB)
- Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTap)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13)
- Inactivated poliovirus Influenza
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (VAR)
- Hepatitis A (HepA)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Meningococcal
- Meningococcal B (MenB)
- Poliovirus
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23)
- Dengue (Seropositive in endemic areas only)
Adults age 19 to 65
- Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Influenza
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) Varicella (VAR)
- Zoster recombinant (RZV)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Pneumococcal (PCV15, PCV20, PPSV23)
- Hepatitis A (HepA)
- Hepatitis B (HepB)
- Meningococcal A, C, W, Y (MenACWY)
- Meningococcal B (MenB)
Menelik Mulu, MD
Primary Care Clinics, CHI St. Alexius Williston