Dec. 23, 2015

Keep Vaccine between You and Disease

Contact:
Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
(850) 245-4111

Tallahassee, Fla.- The Florida Department of Health reminds you that your best defense against preventable diseases is vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Council for Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends following the vaccination schedules based upon the appropriate age group for when the dosage is most effective. Vaccines help develop immunity to countless infectious diseases by enabling the body to recognize and fight vaccine-preventable diseases.

Infants:

Young babies can get very ill from vaccine-preventable diseases. The ACIP recommends following the vaccination schedule closely for this age group to protect against 14 infectious diseases. The best way to prevent disease is to have your baby vaccinated before they can be exposed to serious illness.

Children and Adolescents:

The following vaccines are required for children entering pre-school and grades K-12: DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), polio, varicella (chickenpox), Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b) and hepatitis B. Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) is required at age 11-12 years old and Meningococcal vaccine and the HPV vaccine are highly recommended. Students entering college should check with the health services at their college regarding immunization requirements.

Adults:

Vaccines aren’t over because you’re an adult. You need protection from diseases like pneumonia, tetanus, pertussis and the flu. Vaccines are particularly important for those with chronic conditions, who can develop complications from vaccine-preventable diseases. New vaccines are being developed every year and it is important to discuss your specific lifestyle and risk factors with your doctor to learn about the best protection for you.

Flu:

The flu vaccine not only works to prevent you from getting sick, but it helps to protect those around you. The flu vaccine is available in both the flu shot and nasal spray form. The CDC recommends that all everyone 6 months an older get the vaccine every year.

For more about vaccination schedules by age group, please visit the CDC website.

You can put vaccine between you and disease by receiving your vaccination today. Check with your family physician, retail pharmacist or find a local county health department to ensure protection.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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