Now is the time to catch-up on recommended childhood vaccines!

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in childhood vaccination. Although rates are improving, without high vaccination rates your child, family, and community is at increased risk for serious diseases.

If your child missed a well-child or vaccine appointment, now is the time to get them back on track. Here is what every parent needs to know:

Vaccination will keep your child healthier during this challenging time. Vaccine preventable-diseases still exist. Delaying or missing vaccines leaves your child vulnerable to serious diseases like measles, whooping cough, and pneumococcal disease. Vaccination is the best way to prevent these diseases and keep your child healthier now and in the future.
It is safe to bring your child in for a well-child visit. If you have concerns about visiting your healthcare provider during COVID-19, it’s important to know that you can get your child vaccinated and stay safe. Healthcare providers are taking extra steps – like spacing out appointments and ensuring physical distancing – to safeguard you and your family from COVID-19. When scheduling your child’s well-child visit, ask your healthcare provider about the precautions they are taking.
Vaccination keeps your community and healthcare system stronger. Getting your child vaccinated now will prevent illness that can lead to additional medical visits or even hospitalization if they get sick with a vaccine-preventable disease. It also helps stop the spread of disease to other people in your community. By keeping us all healthier, vaccines help reduce the strain on our healthcare system and ensure more resources are available to those working on the COVID-19 frontlines.

During National Immunization Awareness Month this August, please talk to your healthcare provider about vaccines your child has missed and how to catch-up and get ahead. Learn more about vaccines your child needs.