August is National Immunization Awareness Month or NIAM. It is an annual observance highlighting the importance of getting routine vaccinations for people of all ages.
Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to protect our bodies against viruses or bacteria that cause infection. After vaccination, the immune system is better prepared to respond quickly when the body encounters disease-causing organisms.
Vaccinations are important at every stage of life. They are one of the safest preventative care measures available and help play a vital role in keeping you healthy. When you skip vaccines, you leave yourself vulnerable to illnesses such as shingles, influenza (flu), and both HPV and hepatitis B which are leading causes of cancer.
Getting vaccinated also helps keep your family and community healthy, as vaccinations can help lessen the severity of illness and keep diseases from spreading. Additionally, vaccinations help protect those most vulnerable to illness, such as infants, elders, and people with weakened immune systems.
If you or a loved one would like to get vaccinated, schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital’s Department of Internal Medicine or your primary care physician as soon as possible.
To schedule an appointment for you or a loved one to get up to date on vaccinations, you can call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 670-5486.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.