Celebrating National Immunization Awareness Month: Protecting Your Health with Vaccines

Welcome to Fanous Clinic’s blog, where we provide valuable health information to help you stay informed and healthy. August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of vaccines in protecting our health and the health of our communities. This month, we’ll focus on several key vaccines: influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), herpes zoster virus (shingles), and pneumonia.

Importance of Vaccines

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent infectious diseases. They work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight off viruses and bacteria. Immunization helps to:

• Protect individuals from serious illness.
• Prevent the spread of contagious diseases.
• Contribute to community immunity, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated.

Flu Vaccine Benefits

The flu vaccine is essential for protecting against the seasonal influenza virus. The flu can cause severe illness, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions.

Who should get it? Everyone aged 6 months and older should receive the flu vaccine annually.

When to get it? The best time to get vaccinated is before the flu season starts, typically in the fall.

COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

COVID-19 vaccines have been instrumental in controlling the pandemic and preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

Who should get it? Regardless of previous vaccination status, everyone aged 6 months and older is eligible for 1 dose of the 2024-2025 formula COVID-19 vaccine.

When to get it? Like flu vaccination, the best time to get the annual COVID vaccine is in the fall before COVID cases start to pick up.

RSV Vaccine for Adults

RSV can cause severe respiratory illness in infants, young children, and older adults. The RSV vaccine is a newer addition to the immunization schedule.

Who should get it? Currently, the RSV vaccine is recommended for older adults (age 60 years and older) and infants at high risk for severe RSV disease.

When to get it? At Fanous Clinic, we recommend getting the RSV vaccine in early fall to build your protection over the winter months when cases are higher. Evidence shows that 1 dose of RSV vaccine protects for 2 years, but there is no current recommendation for repeat dosing.

Shingles Vaccine Recommendations

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. One of the main concerns with shingles is the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), where nerve pain from shingles continues even after the rash has healed.

Who should get it? Two doses are recommended for all adults aged 50 and older to prevent shingles and its complications.

When to get it? Anytime!

Pneumonia Vaccine Schedule

Pneumococcal vaccines protect against pneumonia, meningitis, and other infections caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Who should get it? There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) and Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV). Recommendations vary based on age and health conditions.

• PCV20: Recommended for all children under 2, adults 65 and older, and people with certain medical conditions.
• PPSV23: Recommended for adults 65 and older and people with certain medical conditions who received a less potent PCV vaccine in the past like PCV13 or PCV15.

When to get it? The timing of these vaccines depends on age and risk factors. You can trust our primary care providers at Fanous Clinic to help you determine the best schedule for your vaccination needs.

Keeping Up with Vaccinations

Staying up to date with vaccinations is crucial for maintaining your health and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Here are some tips:

• Schedule Regular Check-ups: Regular visits to your primary care provider can help ensure you’re up to date on all recommended vaccines.
• Keep a Vaccination Record: Maintain a record of all vaccinations received for easy reference.
• Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the vaccines you and your family need.

Primary Care Vaccination Services at Fanous Clinic

At Fanous Clinic, we are committed to your health and well-being. Our team of primary care providers (PCPs) and clinical pharmacist practitioners (CPPs) work together to offer comprehensive care, including vaccination services. If you have any questions or need to schedule a vaccination, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Stay healthy and protected with vaccines!