You likely do so much to keep your family safe and healthy but often don't consider how powerful the tool of vaccinations can be for the health and well-being of your loved ones. In this article, discover various vaccines that you should consider to protect yourself and your family.
Childhood Vaccines
If you've got very little ones in your family, the first thing you should consider is childhood vaccinations against infectious diseases. The immunization schedule can include vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, and more. These shots are the first line of defense for your little ones and can also help keep your community safe.
Flu Shots for Annual Protection
The flu vaccine is a seasonal necessity for many around the world. Influenza can affect people of any age and any level of health, resulting in severe risks. For many people, a good way to combat this is with annual flu shots. While flu can affect anyone, those who may find it particularly hard to recover, such as those with chronic health conditions or older adults, should certainly get vaccinated. This can help reduce the risk of flu-related complications, hospitalizations, and even death.
Pneumococcal Vaccines
Pneumococcal diseases, including pneumonia, can have extreme consequences for anyone with a weakened immune system, so this can be a vaccine that's worth getting to protect your family, especially when the cold weather hits.
Meningitis Vaccines
If anyone in your family is heading off to university, it's a good idea for them to get the MenACWY vaccine. This will safeguard them against meningococcal diseases, including meningitis. The reason why this is so important for any family members who are of university age is that it can spread quickly in communal living environments. Ensuring your child is up to date on their vaccinations before heading to university means you can still ensure they are happy and healthy as they embark on the next chapter of their life.
Travel Vaccinations
Before embarking on any international adventures with your family, it's important to find out what vaccinations you might need. Some 'travel' vaccinations can benefit you while abroad as well as where you live, such as the yellow fever vaccination. This is a must if you are planning to travel to any part of Africa or South America. Yellow fever has the potential to be life-threatening, so the vaccination used in conjunction with mosquito spray, bug nets, and long clothes is the best way to keep you and your family safe.
The Shingles Vaccine
In an ideal world, chickenpox is a one-time occurrence. However, for some people, this is not the case. Often, shingles, a strain of chickenpox, can affect anyone who's had chickenpox and causes a painful rash. Anyone in your family aged 70 - 79 should aim to avoid this excruciating condition and the long-term effects it can have by getting vaccinated.
Vaccines are our powerful allies when attempting to make our families safe, happy, and healthy. From childhood immunizations to travel vaccines, it's highly recommended to take advantage of these immunizations to be proactive about health. Embrace a life free from unnecessary and preventable illnesses.
