Ohio AAP Promotes National Immunization Awareness Month
Columbus, OH (PRWEB) July 10, 2014 -- July is National Immunization Awareness Month, and the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (http://www.ohioaap.org) wants to remind parents about the importance of making sure their children are up-to-date on all vaccinations prior to the new school year.
“More than 3 million people die from vaccine-preventable diseases each year. Approximately 1.5 million of these deaths are in children less than 5 years old,” said Melissa Wervey Arnold, Executive Director of the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “Why risk it? By delaying the recommended schedule, you expose your child to vaccine-preventable diseases.”
Here are a couple common myths and facts regarding vaccines that you need to know before sending your child to school without vaccination:
• Myth: Too many vaccines overwhelm the immune system.
• Fact: When parents first read the child and adolescent vaccine schedule, it’s not unusual to be concerned about how many vaccines are given at one time. However, research shows it is safe for children to receive multiple vaccines at one time. There is NO research that shows a delayed schedule is safe. In addition, not protecting your child from vaccine-preventable diseases puts them at risk to contracting these potentially dangerous illnesses.
• Myth: Some of the illnesses that vaccines prevent are not a big deal.
• Fact: Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in Ohio show these illnesses are still dangerous. In 2014, Ohio experienced outbreaks of the mumps and measles. Some patients suffering from these illnesses experienced very series complications including deafness and sterility.
Discuss all questions and concerns about vaccines with your child’s physician.
For the full schedule of adult and child immunizations, and for more information on vaccines, please visit: http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Recommended-Immunization-Schedules.aspx
The Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (Ohio AAP) promotes the health, safety and well being of children and adolescents so they may reach their full potential. The Ohio AAP works to accomplish this by addressing the needs of children, their families, and their communities, and by supporting Chapter members through advocacy, education, research, service, and improving the systems through which they deliver pediatric care.
Jill Buterbaugh, Krile Communications, +1 (614) 326-9054, [email protected]
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