Last month I was at a doctor’s appointment, and as we were finishing up my doctor informed me that I was due for two vaccines — the Hepatitis A vaccine, and the Tdap (tetanus, Diphtheria) vaccine. I decided to get both shots while I was there, and was happy to now be up-to-date on my vaccinations. If it wasn’t for my doctor’s reminder I wouldn’t have even known I needed them. As a young adult, I think people my age and other adults sometimes forget we need immunizations too — vaccines aren’t just for kids. Whether it’s the COVID-19 vaccine, a yearly flu shot, or other recommended immunizations — vaccines help keep us all healthy. Making sure you’re up-to-date on your vaccinations is an important part of your overall wellbeing.
August is National Immunizations Awareness Month — a month to recognize the important role that vaccines play in the health of our community, and a reminder to be sure you’re up-to-date on your vaccinations!
Since the start of widespread vaccinations in the United States, the number of cases of once common infectious diseases have declined dramatically. Immunizations have protected millions of people from potentially deadly diseases and have saved lives. Unfortunately, every year thousands of people in the United States become ill, are hospitalized, and can die from diseases that are preventable through vaccination.
There are several immunizations that are important for kids to get from birth through the time they are 18. There are many diseases that were once common among children, that we now often forget about thanks to vaccines. The number of cases of common childhood illnesses like measles, polio, chickenpox and diphtheria have declined dramatically since widespread vaccination began. Certain diseases are so rare now, that parents sometimes ask if vaccines are even necessary. The truth is, many preventable disease still exist in the world, including in parts of the United States. Continuing to vaccinate children against these diseases will help keep them healthy, as well as keep our community healthy.
Vaccines aren’t just for kids. Adults still need vaccines to protect against whooping cough, flu, pneumonia, shingles and other diseases. Additionally, depending on your career, lifestyle, health conditions, or travel plans you may need different vaccines. To learn about which vaccines you need to keep yourself healthy, visit the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/index.html.
Green County Public Health offers several adult and childhood immunizations. Any adult 50 years of age and older can get the Shingles vaccine at Green County Public Health. Certain vaccines require individuals to meet eligibility requirements to receive the vaccine at our department. To learn about eligibility or schedule an appointment to get vaccinated please call Green County Public Health at (608) 328-9390. These vaccines are also available from your healthcare provider.
People who have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to get it as soon as possible. Green County Public is offering both the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines. It is completely free to get the COVID-19 vaccine, you do not need health insurance, an ID, or proof of residency. Throughout the months of August and September walk-in appointments are available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Green County Public Health.
It may seem like some ways away, but fall and winter are right around the corner. As we enter into the colder months of the year it will be imperative for people to get the flu vaccine. This winter COVID-19 will still be spreading, and it’s important that we take every step we can to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. With vaccines for both the flu and COVID-19, there are safe and effective ways to prevent yourself from getting sick. Many healthcare providers and pharmacies will start offering the flu vaccine in August or September, and it’s best to get the vaccine before the end of October. To find a location to get the flu vaccine visit https://www.
vaccines.gov/.
— Bridget Craker is the Public Health Educator for the Green County Public Health Department and can be reached at bcraker@greengountywi.org or 608-328-9509.
