August is National Immunization Awareness Month. It is recognized every year to show the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. Vaccines are very safe and protect us against diseases that can be dangerous, or even deadly. As we must know, vaccination begins in early childhood, which is the most critical time to make the immune system stronger.

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines have either a weak or dead disease germ that is injected into the body. Because these germs are weak or dead, they don’t cause sickness. Instead, the body’s immune system recognizes these bad germs and makes antibodies to protect the body. This protection is called immunity. With vaccination, children can build up immunity to many diseases without getting very sick or dying from them.

Herd immunity 

Vaccines not only protect individuals but also communities. High immunization rates lead to herd immunity. Herd immunity is where a large part of a population gets vaccinated against a dangerous disease to stop it from spreading. If a disease stops spreading, it will die out. This immunity protects people who can’t get vaccines such as those with a weakened immune system. An example of herd immunity is to smallpox — most people in the world got the smallpox vaccine, so this disease died out because it couldn’t spread anymore.

Vaccines for children ages birth to 3 years 

 Parents should check in with their child’s pediatrician to make sure they are on-track with their vaccine doses. The pediatrician can answer any questions or concerns about childhood vaccines!

⊗ Hepatitis B

⊗ Rotavirus (virus that causes diarrheal disease)

⊗ Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (DTaP)

⊗ Haemophilus influenzae type b (bacteria that can cause serious brain infection)

⊗ Pneumococcal vaccine (bacteria that can cause pneumonia)

⊗ Inactivated poliovirus

⊗ Flu vaccine: 1 yearly dose, starting at 6 months old

⊗ Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)

⊗ Varicella (chickenpox virus)

⊗ Hepatitis A

Have questions or curious to learn more?  Please reach out to our Health Center and make an appointment to speak with a doctor.  AACI provides services in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and many other languages. Call (408) 975-2763 to schedule your appointment today!