One of the most powerful ways to protect children from serious and highly contagious diseases is to have them vaccinated. Vaccines are among the safest and most cost-effective ways to prevent disease.

Children who are not vaccinated are at risk of having a severe case of a disease or illness which may cause long-term, costly health problems. A child may also miss school while recovering, which may require someone to stay home from work to provide care.

Many serious diseases are preventable with vaccines. Although outbreaks are now uncommon in the United States, diseases like polio, measles or whooping cough (pertussis) still exist in other parts of the world which are only a plane ride away from us.

Immunization against disease is a responsibility we share with our neighbors. The more people are vaccinated, the harder it will be for disease to spread, and fewer will get sick. You can help create a stronger family and community by learning what vaccinations your children need and checking to make sure their vaccinations are up to date.

Since sickness can easily spread through schools, many schools require children to be up to date on vaccinations. Be sure to schedule your child’s physical this summer to avoid the back-to-school rush. Also be sure to ask the doctor what vaccines your child needs to stay healthy.

To schedule your child’s physical at Zufall Health, click here for the center nearest you.

Find more information you can trust on vaccines for your children:

Ages 0 – 6

Ages 7 – 18

And remember, vaccines are not just for children. We need vaccines and boosters throughout our lives to maintain our bodies’ defenses. For more on the adult vaccines you need to stay healthy, click here.