The Fidelis Care Blog

Measles cases are on the rise in the United States and Canada. Getting vaccinated for measles and other infectious diseases is the best protection. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Children should get two doses of the MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. If traveling, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends infants 6–11 months old receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine. The child will still need to get the two regular doses to be fully protected.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. It is an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the importance of getting vaccines. Vaccines help protect against serious illnesses. They also help to reduce the spread of diseases. Stay up to date with your vaccines to stay in good health and protect those around you. Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about getting the appropriate vaccines.

Individuals ages 60 or older and pregnant people do not need a prescription to get a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine at participating pharmacies. RSV infections usually occur during the fall and winter. If you are eligible, you should get vaccinated as soon as possible to stay healthy.

Vaccines play a crucial role in protecting against severe illnesses and reducing their spread across communities. Childhood immunizations protect against serious diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, Hepatitis A and B, and more. These vaccines protect children and allow them to enter into adulthood with less risk of serious health complications.

Fidelis Care and the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) have partnered to encourage parents and caregivers to schedule well child visits and keep their children up to date with required immunizations ahead of the 2023-24 school year.