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Vaccinations

At OMHC, we believe in promoting healthy living and disease prevention through vaccinations. Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. They work by training the immune system to recognize and fight off specific viruses and bacteria. Vaccines have been instrumental in controlling or eradicating many deadly diseases, such as smallpox, polio, and measles. They have also helped to reduce the incidence of other illnesses, such as tetanus, hepatitis, and meningitis.

Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of vaccines, there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding them. Some people believe that vaccines can cause autism or other health problems, but there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. In fact, numerous studies have shown that vaccines are safe and do not cause autism or any other serious side effects. It is important to understand that vaccines not only protect the individual who receives them, but they also protect the entire community. When a large percentage of the population is vaccinated, it creates herd immunity, which means that the spread of the disease is significantly reduced. This helps to protect those who are unable to receive vaccines, such as infants, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions.

So, when should vaccinations be done and at what age? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a specific schedule of vaccinations for children and adults. Children should receive a series of vaccines, starting at birth and continuing through adolescence, to protect against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and hepatitis B. Adults should also receive certain vaccines, such as the flu vaccine and the Tdap vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Here is the recommended vaccination schedule for children and adults according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

It’s important to note that vaccination schedules may vary based on individual health status and medical history. It’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for you or your loved ones.

Vaccination Schedule

Here is a table outlining the recommended vaccination schedule for children and adults according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

VaccineAge
Hepatitis BBirth, 1-2 months, 6-18 months
Rotavirus2 months, 4 months, 6 months (if needed)
Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, 4-6 years
Hemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12-15 months
Pneumococcal conjugate (PVC13)2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12-15 months
Inactivated poliovirus (IPV)2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, 4-6 years
Influenza (annually)6 months and older
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)12-15 months, 4-6 years
Varicella (chickenpox)12-15 months, 4-6 years
Hepatitis A12-23 months (2 doses), 2-18 years (2 doses if not previously vaccinated
Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)11-12 years, 16 years (booster)
Human papillomavirus (HPV)11-12 years (2 doses), 15-26 years (3 doses of not previously vaccinated)
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)11-12 years, every 10 years thereafter
Zoster (shingles)50 years and older

Vaccinations are a critical tool in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting public health. It is important to understand the facts about vaccines and to not be swayed by misinformation or myths. We encourage everyone to follow the recommended vaccination schedule to protect themselves and their communities. For more information on vaccinations and their benefits, please visit the CDC Website or speak with your healthcare provider.