National Immunization Awareness Month Isn't Just For Kids

The word "immunization" has long evoked images of nervous children wincing as they get injections to protect themselves from measles, mumps, and other diseases. Now however, California's doctors are suggesting adults start paying more attention to adult vaccines that should be administered as well.

The California Medical Association published a vaccine schedule last year to inform doctors and patients about the recommended vaccines for adults. Vaccination is important because it not only protects the person receiving the vaccine, but also helps prevent the spread of disease, especially to those that are most vulnerable to serious complications such as young children, elderly, and those with chronic conditions and weakened immune systems.  In June, the foundation also released a public service announcement to raise awareness about the importance of adult immunizations. Many people do not realize that vaccines we receive as children wear off over time. Some of the obvious include tetanus, but many other vaccines should be re administered to adult patients. Specific vaccines depend on age, health, and travel plans. 

Mercy Family Health Center, along with Shasta County Public Health, are coordinating efforts to provide comprehensive international travel medicine consultation to individuals, families and groups. The recommendations for pre-travel medicine are individualized and specialized depending upon travel plans. “Traveling internationally can be very exciting, but can also pose some risks,” said Sharon Babcock, Mercy Family Health Center Manager. 

“Booking a travel health consultation prior to leaving can help prepare you and your family for any necessary prescriptions or vaccination needs. Appointments are customized, and the importance and rationale for each recommended immunization and medication will be discussed along with pre-travel preventative care.  Our priority is to keep you and your loved ones healthy while traveling.”

Physicians and registered nurses will assess individual travel needs based on health history, specific itinerary, planned activities and type and duration of travel. Patients receive a customized, travel health consultation including any necessary prescriptions, and most vaccinations will be administered in one visit. Additionally, patients will receive an official immunization record to keep with travel documents, as well as printed information on precautionary measures to stay healthy while traveling. 

For international travel questions regarding vaccinations, or to schedule an appointment please contact Mercy Family Health Center at (530) 225-7842. Mercy Family Health Center is located at 2480 Sonoma Street, Redding.