One thing that is on the minds of most parents and children in this area for the month of August is going back to school. For many children, starting back to school means updating needed vaccinations, or “SHOTS”. Children are required to be up-to-date on their vaccines before entering school, so it is only fitting that August is also the month noted as National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM).

Even though immunizations are needed throughout our lifespan, sometimes we need to be reminded. Immunizations are not just for children. It is important for everyone to protect against infectious diseases by getting immunized.

Some of the more important vaccines are as follows:

Pregnant women – Tdap and seasonal Flu vaccine

Babies: Birth – Hepatitis B

2 months - DTaP, Hep B, Polio, Hib, Pneumococcal, Rotovirus
4 months - DTaP, Polio, Hib, Pneumococcal, Rotovirus, Hep B (if
not given at birth)
6 months - DTaP, Hep B, Polio, Hib, Pneumococcal, Rotovirus
12 – 15 months - DTaP, Pneumococcal, Hib, MMR #1,
VZV(chickenpox) #1
6 months and older - Yearly seasonal Flu vaccine

Children: 4-6 Years - DTaP, Polio, MMR #2, VZV(chickenpox) #2, yearly Flu
Vaccine

11-12 Years - Tdap, Meningococcal, HPV,
VZV(chickenpox) –yearly Flu
vaccine
16-17 Years - HPV (if not yet completed), Meningococcal– booster,
yearly Flu vaccine
(HPV vaccination is recommended for preteen girls and boys)

Young Adults: 19-26 Years - Tdap, HPV, Meningococcal, yearly Flu
vaccine

Adults: Adult vaccines may include: Influenza (Flu), Tetanus/Tdap, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal, and Herpes Zoster (Shingles). Some of these are dependent on one’s age, occupation, travel, health status, and other risk factors.

Immunizations are not just for children that are in school. They are needed throughout one’s lifetime to help protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. If you are not sure when you received your last immunizations, check with your Primary Care Provider or your local Department of Health. For further recommendations or information you can visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines.

Immunizations are given at the Florida Department of Health in Suwannee County on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8-11 AM and 1-4 PM. No appointments necessary. There is no charge for immunizations of children from birth-18 years of age. Adult vaccines are available for a fee. For more information, please call us at 386-362-2708. Get immunized to protect you and your community.