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With a new school year right around the corner, we aim to do all we can to keep our children safe and healthy. This includes ensuring children receive their recommended vaccines. We know that the COVID pandemic has caused many children to fall behind on their vaccines and now is the time to get your child caught up.

The Centers for Disease Control considers vaccines so important that it recognizes August as National Immunization Awareness Month, an annual observance highlighting the importance of vaccinations for children and people of all ages.

Childhood immunizations have played a major role in the prevention of childhood illness in the past century and are considered one of the most important achievements in public health. As noted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, vaccine programs have prevented tens of thousands of deaths, millions of cases of disease, and have saved billions of dollars per decade.

The role of immunizations is especially important today during the current COVID pandemic and with the rise of preventable diseases that have resurfaced, as these vaccines can prevent further outbreaks.

The Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends on-time routine vaccinations per the Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children and Adolescents. It is important to have these conversations about vaccines with your child’s healthcare provider, who is a trusted source of information regarding the most up to date recommendations.  

Immunization (Vaccine) FAQ for Parents:

Q: Can I access the most up to date vaccine recommendation?

A: Yes, there are multiple sites that can provide this information, including the American Academy of Pediatrics website (AAP.org), the Centers for Disease control (CDC) and the New York State Health Department. Below is a link to the 2022 recommended Vaccine schedule for children and Adolescents: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/downloads/child/0-18yrs-child-combined-schedule.pdf

Q: Can I wait to catch up on immunizations until my child goes to school?

A: No. Before entering school, young children can be exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases. Children under the age of 5 are especially vulnerable to diseases because their immune systems have not built up the necessary defenses to fight infection.

Q: Why do older children and teenagers need vaccines?

A: Vaccines are recommended throughout our lives to protect against serious diseases. As protection from childhood vaccines wears off, older kids and teens need vaccines that will give continuous protection. Older kids and teenagers also need protection from additional infections as well, before the risk of exposure increases.

Q: Are Vaccines safe?

A: Yes. Vaccines are very safe. In the United States there is a long-standing vaccine safety system that ensures that vaccines are as safe as possible. Currently, the United States has the safest vaccine supply in its history. Millions of children safely receive vaccines each year. The most common side effects are very mild, such as pain or swelling at the injection site.

Q: Is there a link between vaccines and autism?

A: No. There have been many studies and reviews that continue to show that there is no relationship between vaccines and autism. The CDC vaccine safety website has more information on autism and vaccines.

Q: Can vaccines overload my child’s immune system?

A: No, vaccines do not overload the immune system. Every day, a healthy child’s immune system successfully fights off thousands of germs. Vaccines create a response that causes the body’s immune system to go to work to build antibodies. Antibodies fight off diseases.

About Fidelis Care
Fidelis Care is a mission-driven health plan offering quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life. With more than 2.5 million members statewide, Fidelis Care believes that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. Follow us on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/fidelis-care, on Twitter at @fideliscare, Instagram at @fideliscare, and on Facebook at facebook.com/fideliscare. For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.

For more resources, including the New York State Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, visit the Fidelis Care Immunization Resources page.