As children rejoin their friends in classrooms, cafeterias and fall activities, it’s a time for community and gathering—which is why August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month. Communicable illnesses can easily spread in schools. Fortunately, today’s childhood immunizations have virtually eliminated many of the most dangerous diseases.

“Immunizations are a very effective way to prevent illness,” said Prowers Medical Center Certified Nurse Practitioner Kelli Bitner. “People used to die in droves from diseases like measles. Entire communities would be wiped out. But now, thanks to routine vaccination, children and families are much safer.”

Vaccine Schedules

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccination schedules are followed by Prowers Medical Center Clinic providers. Scientifically tested, perfected and tracked over decades in millions of Americans, the vaccines that prevent diseases like whooping cough, mumps and hepatitis A have proven highly effective and safe.

“I want parents to inform themselves about vaccine science and recommendations,” Bitner said. “Education from reputable sources is important. The Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics are the best authorities on vaccinations in children.”

CDC vaccine schedules are extensive and complex. But as long as you bring your children to Prowers Medical Center Clinic for their recommended well-child exams, providers will make sure they’re up to date on their vaccinations.

Combination Vaccines

The more dangerous illnesses we can prevent with vaccinations, the better. But as the list of nearly eradicated diseases grows longer, so do the number of shots children need. It can seem like a lot.

Keep Your Family Healthy: Back to School Tips

Help keep your family healthy as you navigate the busy back-to-school season.

• Schedule a check-up for your kids if it’s been a year or more since their last one.

• Prioritize sleep. Sleep helps our immune systems work properly.

• Emphasize proper handwashing before eating and after blowing your nose, touching animals and using the bathroom.

To schedule a checkup appointment with a primary-care provider, call Prowers Medical Center Clinic at 719-336-6767.

But that’s where combination vaccines come in. Over the years, medical scientists have tested combining several vaccines into one immunization. The Tdap vaccine, for example, protects children against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) with just one shot.

“Combination vaccines are administered here,” Bitner said, “which means fewer shots. And some vaccines can even be taken orally.”

The Flu Vaccine

According to Bitner, most local parents agree that keeping their children’s vaccinations current is important. But the flu vaccine is too often seen as optional.

Influenza is dangerous, Bitner emphasized— especially in children younger than 5. It can even be fatal. While the flu vaccine doesn’t always prevent children from getting a mild case of the flu, it does protect them from severe symptoms and death.

“It’s a common misconception that the flu vaccine can give you the flu,” Bitner said. “It can’t. The shot does not contain a live virus. The vaccination activates your immune system, and that’s the reason some people get mild symptoms like fever, muscle aches and fatigue after a flu shot.”

Community Benefits

Not only do childhood vaccinations help keep kids healthy—they help all of us stay healthy. When more people are vaccinated, communicable diseases can’t spread. Instead, they die out.

“Community immunity is one of the main benefits of vaccinating all children,” Bitner said. “It helps keep your family healthy and benefits your whole community, too. It also helps protect vulnerable and ill children who can’t get vaccinated.”

To learn more about Family Medicine Services at Prowers Medical Center or to schedule an appointment, call 719-336-6767 or visit prowersmedical.com.