Schedule immunizations for your youngster now

Now, before school starts, is a good time to bring your child’s immunizations up to date. Make an appointment right away so your youngster can be seen by your preferred provider at a time that’s convenient for your family. August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an annual observance to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages.

UHS pediatricians and primary care physicians note that generations of American children have safely received childhood immunizations, starting with the whooping cough vaccine in 1914. Other vaccines were added to the list through the 1990s, when immunizations against pneumococcal disease and chicken pox were developed. It’s important to remember that vaccines don’t just keep your child healthy--they confer herd immunity, protecting immunocompromised individuals in our families, neighborhoods and communities. You never know when your child might be the one who needs the protection of a fully vaccinated community.

Every year, four million deaths worldwide are prevented by childhood vaccination.  It is estimated that, by 2030, measles vaccination can save nearly 19 million lives and hepatitis B vaccination 14 million lives. Lack of access to vaccines leaves children at risk of death, disability and illness from preventable diseases. There are more than 25 safe and effective vaccines to prevent diseases, protect health throughout the lifespan, and help to prevent and mitigate outbreaks.

You can find an immunization schedule on the UHS website, by clicking here.

At that site, you will be guided through the process of check-ups and immunizations in a safe and effective way. If you are looking for a primary care provider, use the “Find a Provider” tool at nyuhs.org to choose a pediatric or family medicine provider at a UHS Primary Care location near you. Also, you can learn more about what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is doing to improve health equity by prioritizing access and delivery of lifesaving vaccines; visit cdc.gov.