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August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Are you and your family caught up on vaccinations?  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), immunization is one of the most important public health achievements of the 20th century. Vaccines have reduced or eliminated many infectious diseases in the United States such as smallpox, polio, measles, diphtheria, rubella and pertussis. The annual influenza (flu) vaccine has also had a great impact on public health. Before the arrival of the flu vaccine, many people became sick or died every year from the flu. Despite the low rate of infections per year, these viruses still exist. They can be passed to people who are not immunized. Infants are especially vulnerable to infectious diseases. That is why most vaccines are given during the first five or six years of life. Vaccinations are very important for teenagers and adults, too. Getting immunized is a lifelong effort. Some vaccinations require boosters. Others, like the flu vaccine, need to be administered annually. Speak to your primary care provider to figure out which vaccinations you need. Cataract Awareness Month
More than half of all Americans will develop cataracts by the age of 80. The good news is that you don’t have to live with cataracts! Thanks to technological advances and the availability of new procedures in the US, most Americans will not suffer vision loss or other visual problems as a result of cataracts. Click here for more information. Immunizations and vaccinations are a covered USFHP benefit and there is no co-payment. Authorization is not required if using a participating provider. Resources:
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