Medical Update August 2024

12 —Medical Guide, August 2024 Manchester Rural Health Clinic A Unity Rural Health Clinic Providing Care For The Whole Family! 482 Interstate Dr • 931-728-4718 Nicole Brinkley, NP Heather Carter, DO William Daniel, DO Glenn Davis, MD Keeley Sears , NP Donna Tudor, NP Sarah Wilson, MD Why it’s important to follow an immunization schedule D octors are in the business of keep- ing people healthy, and one of the best ways to do so is to help individ- uals avoid illnesses and diseases that can make them sick. Although few people relish the idea of needle jabs, immuniza- tions (vaccines) remain an e ff ective way to stay in good health. The American Acad- emy of Pediatrics says top disease experts work together throughout the year to update the rec- ommended immuniza- tion schedules for chil- dren, adolescents and adults. Schedules are approved by the AAP, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health care organizations. Any rec- ommended vaccines are based on ongoing re- views of the most recent scienti fi c data for each immunization. An immunization schedule o ff ers a series of vaccinations, includ- ing the timing of all doses, as recommended or required depending on one’s home country. Vaccines go through multiple phases of trials to ensure safety and ef- fi cacy. Following an im- munization schedule is ideal for optimal health. Here are a few facts to consider, courtesy of HealthyChildren.org, a website managed by the AAP and the CDC. • The timing of vaccines is carefully studied and recom- mended to work with the body’s immune system. • People with chronic conditions or individuals on medica- tions that weaken the immune system may need a di ff erent type of vaccine or a booster. A doctor can discuss the best approach in such situations. • Many vaccines are administered in early childhood during infancy. Getting a child vaccinated on time is the best way to protect him or her. • There is no re- search to show that a child would be equally protected against dis- eases if shots are spread out di ff erently or if a var- ied schedule is followed. Parents and caregivers often must trust that the professionals know best with these schedules. • If adose ismissed or a child is behind sched- ule, that does not require starting all over. A doctor can be consulted and the next shot in a series can be scheduled as soon as possible. • Adults receive far fewer vaccines than their younger counter- parts. According to the CDC’smost recent vaccine schedule, these are some of the shots adults should discuss with their doctors. - COVID-19 (one or more doses of updated 2023-2024 formula) - In fl uenza (one dose annually) - Respiratory Syn- cytial Virus (seasonal administration during pregnancy) - Tetanus, diphthe- ria, pertussis (Td or Tdap booster every 10 years, unless pregnant, then one dose Tdap each pregnancy) - Measles, mumps, rubella (one or two doses depending on indication if born in 1957 or later) - Varicella (two doses if born in 1980 or later) - Zoster recombinant (two doses at age 50) Following an immu- nization schedule is one way to maintain per- sonal health. Any ques- tions or concerns about vaccines should be dis- cussed with a primary care doctor or another trusted health profes- sional.