Immunization Awareness

With the start of school just around the corner, parents begin their back to school preparation. Amidst the excitement and shopping, many parents forget the important task of staying current on their child's immunizations.

Also known as vaccines, immunizations are a set of shots that help prevent infectious diseases and can even save lives. They need to be given to all children from the time of birth through the age of 18.

"When it comes to child health, prevention is always better than treatment. And nowhere is this more evident than with immunizations," said Dr. Carden Johnston, 2003-2004, President of American Academy of Pediatrics.

According to Medem's Medical Library, while "the United States currently has record, or near record, low cases of vaccine-preventable diseases, the viruses and bacteria that cause them still exist." The most common diseases immunizations fight against are mumps, measles, chicken pox, and other severe illnesses.

Parents should know the immunization schedule in their community and their school requirements before the first day of classes. It will save a child from being exposed to infectious and contagious germs.

State and Local Resources

• The Ohio State University Medical Center
• The Cleveland Clinic
• Cleveland Health
• University Hospital: Low Cost Immunizations
• Ohio Department of Health: Why Immunize?

National Resources

• Ten Things You Need To Know About Immunizations
• American Academy Pediatrics
• National Immunization Information Hotline: 1.800.232.2522 (English); 1.800.232.0233 (Spanish)