The human body works in magnificent ways. Take the immune system, for instance. It works around the clock to defend our bodies against infections. As miraculous as the immune system is, however, it may often require a bit of guidance to work as efficiently as possible.
That’s where immunizations come into play. Immunizations—also known as vaccines—contain a minute amount of a virus or bacteria that’s either been weakened or killed. The immunization is then injected into the body, triggering the immune system to either produce antibodies or strengthen immunity against the particular sickness.
Babies and children receive immunizations more regularly than adults over the age of 19 but vaccinations are still crucial, whether a person is 5 years old or 50. Here at CNA Adult Primary Care, we’d like to delve deeper into the world of immunizations, their importance, and their significance for a happy and healthy life. If you or your family require immunizations in El Paso, then visit our clinic, today!
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Vaccines for Children
Children, from the time they are born to the age of 6, require certain regular immunizations. Not only do these immunizations protect young children from certain diseases, but they also tend to be a requirement when seeking enrollment in either daycare or school. The recommended immunizations for children include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Influenza, Measles, and Varicella, to name a few.
In the past, young children were prone to these terrible diseases, causing thousands of deaths. Thanks to modern advancements in medicine, however, children can live happy, fruitful lives without fear of acquiring certain diseases. Of course, not every single disease has a vaccine so it’s still crucial for parents and guardians alike to make healthy living a priority.
Many vaccines require more than one dose in order to build up the required immunity. Simply put, vaccines are not a “one and done” deal. They must follow a detailed schedule. But if your child missed any vaccinations for whatever reason, don’t fret. They can still receive the immunizations they require later on in life. Staying on schedule is highly recommended, however. On the Centers for Disease Control website, you can view a detailed schedule of vaccinations for children aged 0-18 years. Take a look, here.
What Happens if a Child Isn’t Vaccinated
There’s plenty of talk about immunizations and children. Simply put, vaccines and immunizations protect newborns, babies, and children from developing diseases that are preventable. These include whooping cough, measles, chickenpox, and the flu. Children who are not vaccinated can also infect babies who may be too young to be fully immune to certain diseases or adults with certain immune system issues. By vaccinating your newborn according to the CDC schedule, you can do your part in keeping the community safe and healthy. If you have any questions and concerns regarding immunizations, then don’t hesitate to contact CNA Adult Primary Care or check out our Immunizations page to learn more.
Vaccines for Adults
Immunizations are often linked to newborns and children, but adults also need immunizations in order to be as healthy as possible. Now, adult immunizations aren’t as common or prevalent as those children require from ages 0-6, but they’re still important nonetheless. Perhaps you already get your seasonal flu vaccine when the fall season comes around, but you could be doing more to remain healthy. For adults aged 19-26, the CDC recommends the Td or Tdap vaccine, which combat against diseases such as Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
The HPV vaccine may also be necessary. This vaccine protects against human papillomaviruses which cause most cancers. The HPV vaccine is not recommended for those older than 26 years of age, however. If you’re between the ages of 27-45 and you haven’t received your HPV vaccine yet, speak with the physicians at CNA Adult Primary Care to learn more about the risks and the benefits of the vaccination.
Understanding the Importance of Vaccines and Immunizations
Today, we live in a world where many once-devastating illnesses are now easily treatable, curable, and preventable. Simply take a look at polio, one of the most devastating illnesses of all time which is now fully preventable thanks to vaccines and immunizations. In 1894, the first major documented outbreak of polio took place in the United States, leading to 18 deaths and over 130 cases of permanent paralysis. By 1916, the disease, which was discovered to be contagious, kills more than 2,000 people in New York City, taking the lives of over 6,000 people across the USA and causing permanent paralysis for thousands more.
In 1960, an oral polio vaccine developed by Dr. Albert Sabin is licensed by the U.S. government, and by 2014, polio cases were down by over 99% since 1988. This is just one of many brilliant examples of how beneficial vaccines can be for the world at large.
Get Immunizations in El Paso at CNA Primary Care, Today!
As both a primary care and pediatric clinic, we’re able to provide the vaccinations your entire family requires! Give us a call today to learn more about immunizations in El Paso or to schedule an appointment.
