Atrium Health Navicent physicians urge the community to catch up on recommended vaccinations in observance of National Immunization Awareness Month and to take preventative steps to improve health and wellness.
“Vaccinations only take a few minutes, but can have lifelong positive impacts on your health, no matter your age,” said Dr. Lise Forestal, who sees patients at Atrium Health Navicent Primary Care West Macon. “As fall approaches, we’re expecting to see an uptick in RSV, COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. It’s a good idea to use this month as a reminder each year to schedule an annual wellness exam and ensure your family is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued guidelines that a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 75 and older, and for those ages 60-74 who have a higher risk of severe RSV.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. While most people recover in a week or two, RSV can be serious for infants and older adults. Adults at the highest risk for severe RSV illness include older adults, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, adults with weakened immune systems, and adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. The CDC estimates that every year, RSV causes 60,000-160,000 hospitalizations and 6,000- 10,000 deaths among older adults.
A shot is also available to protect children – newborns through 24 months – from RSV infections. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than 1 year of age, according to the CDC.
“RSV usually starts to spread in mid-September, so August is the best time to get vaccinated,” Forestal said.
The CDC has issued the following age-based guidelines to help parents understand which vaccines children need as they grow up, and which vaccines are recommended for adults.
Birth to age 2:
Chickenpox
Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP)
Flu
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
Hepatitis A and B
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
Pneumococcal (PCV15)
Polio
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Rotavirus
COVID-19
Ages 3 to 10:
Chickenpox
Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP)
Flu
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
Polio
COVID-19
Ages 11 to 18:
Flu
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Meningococcal conjugate
Serogroup B meningococcal
Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP)
COVID-19
Adults:
Flu
COVID-19
Tetanus and Diphtheria booster is recommended every 10 years
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is recommended for ages 60 and older and pregnant women
To find a doctor, visit www.NavicentHealth.org and click “Find A Doctor.”