As part of National Immunization Awareness Month, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Public Health joins partners across the country to highlight the importance of routine vaccination for people of all ages.
Governor Jim Justice also proclaimed August as Immunization Month in West Virginia.
“Children and adults are encouraged to keep vaccinations up to date to protect themselves and vulnerable populations from vaccine preventable diseases,” said Dr. Matthew Christiansen, commissioner for DHHR’s Bureau for Public Health and State Health Officer. “Vaccines are the safest way to protect against preventable illnesses, and routine well-visits with your physician help ensure you or your child do not fall behind on vaccines.”
Routine vaccinations protect against 14 diseases: polio, tetanus, flu (influenza), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, rubella, Hib (or its official name, Haemophilus influenzae type b), measles, whooping cough (pertussis), pneumococcal disease, rotavirus, mumps, chickenpox and diphtheria.
On-time vaccination throughout childhood provides immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines are recommended for adults based on age, health condition, job, lifestyle, travel, and other factors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Adult Vaccines Self-Assessment Tool (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pregnancy/resources.html#assessment-tool) helps users determine when vaccines are recommended.
Learn more about vaccines for children and adults at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html.