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August National Immunization Awareness Month
August National Immunization Awareness Month
To help keep our community safe, Whittier Street Health Center is proudly participating in National Immunization Awareness Month.
Did you know?
Shots (also called vaccinations or immunizations) can prevent serious diseases like the flu, measles, and pneumonia. They can also help stop the spread of illness and decrease your risk of being hospitalized.
Who should get vaccines?
EVERYONE!!!
We all need shots to help protect ourselves, our families and community from serious diseases.
It’s important to know which shots you need and at what age to get them.
- Here at Whittier Street Health Center we can help you find out if you or your child needs vaccinations.
- Vaccines are one of the many ways that we all can protect and promote wellness in our communities.
- Whittier is a part of the Vaccines for Children Program; which provides vaccines for our patients 18 years old and under for FREE including Flu shots.
With the Flu Season fast approaching…… we start giving flu shots In August
Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. It can even result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, pregnant women and people with some chronic health conditions, are at high risk of serious flu complications.
How can you stop the flu?
* FLU VACCINES ARE THE #1 WAY TO PREVENT THE FLU*
You should get a flu shot before the flu virus begins to spread in your community. It takes about 2 weeks for the vaccine to build the antibodies to protect you. CDC recommend that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October. But can get them throughout the flu season.
Everyone age 6 months and older needs to get a flu vaccine every year.
Some children need 2 doses of the flu vaccine to be protected and they should start the shots sooner, because the 2 doses have to be given at least 4 weeks apart.
Those who are not sure if the flu vaccine is right for them should talk to their doctor or nurse
Other shots work best when they are given at certain ages
- If you have a child age 6 or younger, find out which shots your child needs.
- Find out which shots adults and teenagers need.
- Use this chart for adults to see if you are up to date on your shots [PDF – 156 KB].
- If you are pregnant, check out this recommended immunization schedule [PDF – 188 KB].
Talk to your doctor or nurse to make sure that everyone in your family gets the protection they need. To learn more about vaccines and how to schedule an appointment to get them, please visit www.wshc.org