August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM).
The observance was established to raise awareness about vaccines for people of all ages so that they stay up to date with their vaccines and prevent diseases.1
So in this post we at Wellington Estates are here to tell you about the importance of vaccines.
Why Should Adults Vaccinate?
You might be thinking that vaccine is something you get only as a child. But, the truth is, without vaccine adults can be at risk too.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults need vaccines for two reasons:
- The immunization you got when you were younger can wear off.
- As an adult, you are at a greater risk of developing different diseases now.
Which Vaccines Should you Take?
The CDC recommends different vaccines based on personal factors. You can find a list here.
Personal differences aside, all adults need to get the influenza (flu) and Td/Tdap vaccines, says the CDC.
Flu Vaccination and New Jersey
In 2018, New Jersey was hit hard by the flu virus. Over 22,600 cases were reported by mid-March. And the vaccine was, unfortunately, only 25% effective.2
So, ‘if it doesn’t work why should I take it?,’ you ask.
The answer is, it does work but it isn’t perfect. First-of-all, the flu comes in different forms and this past year it included a tough strain – H3N2. And keep in mind that only 25% is still a quarter of the cases. That’s 25 out of every 100 people that were okay thanks to getting simple vaccine.
So, the vaccine may not be the complete solution, but it can be an important step to help you get there.
How can you help raise awareness this National Immunization Awareness Month?
Please share in the comments below.
Disclaimer
Wellington Estates does not take any responsibility for this post’s content. Any action you take based on its information is strictly at your own risk. You should always speak to your doctor regarding medical information and your health.
1 https://www.immunizepa.org/august-2018-national-immunization-awareness-month/
2 https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2018/03/flu_symptoms_2018_usa_how_long_is_the_flu_contagio.html