Now that August has arrived, that can only mean one thing — it’s time for the kids to start heading back to school! But did you know that August is also National Immunization Awareness Month? Getting immunized against infectious diseases is important for your health, as well as the health of those around you. And with the start of the new school year just around the corner, it is especially important for your child’s health that they are up to date on all their vaccinations. At AFC/American Family Care we can help get you and your child any necessary immunizations. Here are a few reasons immunizations are crucial for good health.

Immunizations Protect Your Child

Immunizations protect your child against infectious diseases. They can even save your child’s life. If your unvaccinated child is exposed to a disease, their immune system might not be strong enough to fight it off. This can result in illness, and in some cases, death. With immunizations, your child gets protection without getting sick.

Immunizations Protect Others Around Your Child

Certain people cannot be immunized — children who are too young to get vaccinated, people who are allergic to certain vaccinations, people who can’t be vaccinated because of medical reasons like having a compromised immune system, as well as a very small amount of people who don’t respond to a certain vaccination. These people rely on others around them to be vaccinated against potentially deadly diseases. Since they cannot protect themselves, their best hope is for others to receive the proper vaccinations so these diseases spread as little as possible.

Immunizations Can Save You Money

Doctors visits, hospital visits and medical treatments for your child can quickly add up in your checkbook. Not to mention all the time spent out of work as you care for your child. Not only does getting your child vaccinated protect them against those diseases, but it can also save you and your family a lot of money.

Immunizations Protect Future Children

By vaccinating your children against infectious diseases, you are also preventing the spread of that disease to other people. Over time, if as close to 100 percent of the people as possible get vaccinated, certain harmful diseases could be completely eliminated from the population for good.

AFC/American Family Care is here for all of your back-to-school health needs. We can provide you with any immunizations you may need, as well as school physicals and even your yearly flu shot. We want you to stay protected and healthy throughout the upcoming school year!