By: Bhriana Onuoha, Senior Coordinator, Communications

The fall season is in full swing. Leaves are changing colors, the smell of pumpkin spice is everywhere, and children have returned to school.

It’s easy to get swept up in the busyness of the season, but it is important for your health, and the health of your family, to get the appropriate vaccinations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a vaccine is a “simple, safe, and effective way of protecting you against harmful diseases, before you come into contact with them.”

Vaccines train your immune systems to create antibodies like your body naturally does when exposed to a disease. However, because many vaccines comprise killed or weakened forms of germs (i.e., virus and bacteria), they do not cause the disease nor put you at risk of the diseases’ complications.

Here are some facts on immunization:

• Immunization is the single most preventive health intervention in the world (WHO)
• More children are being immunized worldwide than ever before (WHO)
• According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), four million deaths — worldwide — are prevented by childhood vaccination every year

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has a list of over 20 vaccine recommendations that have been adopted by the CDC Director

Check out some resources from the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the CDC about immunization and vaccine safety.

In the meantime, here are a list of some vaccinations to consider this season:

• Updated COVID-19 shots (New Pfizer and Moderna have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the CDC)
• Seasonal influenza (flu) shot
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) shot

As always, if you have any questions about what vaccines are best for you and your family, please consult your trusted health care professional. Stay healthy!