8/27/14 - The Livingston County Department of Public Health is reminding residents that the need for vaccines does not end when you become an adult. August is Immunization Awareness Month in part because children are headed back to school and public schools require vaccinations among their students. However, the health department has issued a press release stating that thousands of American adults become ill or die every year from vaccine-preventable diseases. While many adults are familiar with getting an annual influenza shot, many do not know that depending on factors such as age, lifestyle, travel, and previous vaccinations, more immunizations may be necessary. Diseases such as hepatitis A and B, shingles, whooping cough, and certain bacterial infections can be prevented by vaccines, as well as some cancers including cervical and liver cancer. The Health Department also reminds residents that vaccinations protect not only them, but other people in the community who may be susceptible to infection such as babies and those with weakened immune systems. The health department offers all immunizations that may be required through adulthood, and has tools on its website to help residents find other locations where vaccinations are available. A link to that information is posted below. (TD)
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