Role of Immunizations in Protecting Your Health and Your Child’s Health Protect Your Family’s Health With Immunizations Developed By: Barbara (Bobbi) P. Clarke, PhD, RD Professor & Extension Health Specialist, Co-Director for The University of Tennessee Center for Community Health Literacy ~ Updated 8/2012 ~

Immunizations 2 Ways We Protect Our Health Using seat belts Washing hands Brushing our teeth Eating nutritious food Being active Using sunscreen Getting adequate rest Other ways?

Immunizations 3 Immunizations Protect Our Health The easiest and most powerful health tool ever developed Yet people often forget how important immunizations are to preventing infectious and deadly diseases

Immunizations 4 Why Are Immunizations Important? Protect you and your family from harmful diseases and even death! Make many diseases rare today. Keep you, your children and your community healthy.

Immunizations 5 What Will We Discuss in This Program? What immunizations are and how they work Tips for keeping-up with your immunizations and those for your family Which immunizations are important at different ages Need for the annual flu shot for family members

Immunizations 6 What is a Vaccine? A medicine that is given to help your body fight disease. It helps your immune system do its work!

Immunizations 7 How Does Immunity Work? Protects you from germs—future infections Builds antibodies Antibodies destroy germs that are making you sick and help you get well. Antibodies also destroy the germs before they make you sick.

Immunizations 8 Are Immunizations Safe? Yes, immunizations are among the safest medications. Serious reactions to immunizations are extremely rare, but do occur. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about a vaccine you or your child need.

Immunizations 9 Do Immunizations Have Side Effects? Some may cause temporary side effects: Redness, tenderness, warmth, mild pain or swelling under the skin where the shot was given Fever Sleepiness Crankiness

Immunizations 10 What Do Immunizations Cost? Child immunizations are part of your child’s well care visits. Well care immunizations are free under the Affordable Care Act. Otherwise, health insurance should cover these immunizations. Most adult immunizations will be paid for by your health insurance plan. Check with your health insurance provider. For Medicare enrollees, the flu and pneumonia shots are fully paid for by Medicare Part B. Other immunizations are covered by Medicare Part D.

Immunizations 11 Keep Records of Immunizations Keep an immunization record for each member of your family. Ask your doctor for a record to use. Keep these important records in a place where you can easily find them. Need proof of immunization before a child can go to school or day care.

Immunizations 12 In Summary, Immunizations are… Recognized as one of the greatest 20th century achievements in the prevention of disease and death Safe Affordable An important health tool for you and your family

Immunizations 13 So Be Wise … Get Immunized! Keep an up-to-date immunization record for every member of your family ―including all children and adults. Talk to your doctor about what immunizations are needed and when.

Immunizations 14 Adult Immunizations RecordChild Immunizations Record

Immunizations 15 Another Child Immunizations Record

Immunizations 16 Questions?