Traffic? Rude or obnoxious people? Crime? Wouldn’t it be nice if we could vaccinate specific things or people from our lives. Unfortunately, those toxic people and situations are the association dues we must pay for being alive.
However, viruses and bacteria that cause illness and death still exist and can be passed on to those who are not properly vaccinated, reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. The Center for Disease Control recognizes August as National Immunization month.
It’s important to remember that infants and the elderly are at greater risk for serious infections and complications, but vaccine-preventable diseases can strike anyone. Approximately 50,000 adults die each year from vaccine-preventable diseases in the US.
Make sure your children are up-to-date on vaccines before sending them back to school. School-age children, from preschoolers to college students, need vaccines. Shots may hurt a little, but the diseases they can prevent are a lot worse says Chief DiGiovanna.
It’s important to remember hand-washing is like a “do-it-yourself” vaccine – it involves five simple and effective steps (think Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) so you can stay healthy. Regular hand-washing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others.
For additional information visit: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niam.html
Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
