Keeping up to date on vaccinations is important to helping your child remain healthy.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many things in our lives and routine vaccinations were among them. According to the CDC data, orders for vaccines were down 14% in the last year and a half compared to 2019, with the measles vaccine dropping by nearly 20%. Children need these routine vaccinations to remain safe when heading back into the classroom for the upcoming school year.
HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital and HSHS Medical Group are asking parents to schedule well-child checkups and talk with their doctor about vaccines and immunizations.
“Vaccinations are our best defense against preventable diseases,” said Dr. Robert Frost, HSHS Medical Group family medicine physician. “Keeping up to date with your child’s vaccination schedule protects their health now and in the future.”
As opportunities for in-person activities and play continue, St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital and HSHS Medical Group encourage parents to make sure children are up to date on routinely recommended vaccines. As schools, daycares, and camps begin to reopen and offer masked, in-person learning and care, it’s particularly important for parents to work with their child’s doctor or nurse to make sure they get caught up on missed well-child visits and recommended vaccines.
In addition to routine vaccinations, the COVID-19 vaccine is our best defense against this illness. If you or your child are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital and HSHS Medical Group encourage you to get it. To find an HSHS vaccine clinic near you, visit www.HSHS.org/vaccine or contact your local health department to schedule a vaccination.
To learn more about immunizations, vaccine schedules or well-child checkups visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines. To locate a primary care provider, visit www.hshs.org/find-a-doctor.