Archive for the ‘National Health Observances’ Category

As a parent of a new baby or young children, you are well aware of the fact that kids need to get their shots. What you might not realize is that it is important for you to be up to date with your immunizations too. Your health can have a huge impact on the health of your baby. There are certain things that babies are too young to be vaccinated against. For example, babies under 6 months cannot receive the Flu Vaccine. Also, the shot that protects against pertussis (Whooping cough) is given in a series that is complete at around age 5. Check with your health care provider to see if there are any vaccinations you should get. You will be setting a good example for your children and protecting them if you take care of your health. In addition too vaccinations from your doctor, your baby will benefit greatly from the protection you provide them through breastfeeding. Through your breastmilk you pass along antibodies which protect your baby from some illnesses and diseases.

For more information on Immunizations in New York State visit the following:

NYS Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule

NYS Adult Immunization Schedule 

I didn’t realize I needed certain immunizations until I started a new job. Do you know which shots you need? Does your doctor remind you to get the flu vaccination?

Sources: Adults Need Immunizations Too ; CDC Features: Pertussis (Whooping Cough) – What you need to know; Protecting Against Influenza (Flu): Advice for Caregivers of Children Less Than 6 Months Old

Picture source: Alignmap Blog

This year’s Pertussis Awareness Day, August 5^th, was celebrated with NASCAR star Jeff Gordon. Jeff teamed up with March of Dimes and Sanofi Pasteur to promote the Pertussis Awareness campaign and contest, Sound off about Pertussis. This is an educational song and video contest that uses the power of music to help educate people about pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, and the importance of adult pertussis vaccination. If you would like more details about this contest, visit Sound off about Pertussis .

Why should you be concerned about Whooping Cough (Pertussis)?

Pertussis is a very contagious bacterial infection that causes cold-like symptoms which leads to severe coughing. In many cases, especially in babies, pertussis can lead to hospitalization, pneumonia, convulsions, even death! Babies are at a higher risk because they may not have received their complete DTaP vaccination yet. For maximum protection against pertussis, children need five DTaP shots. The first three shots are given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. The fourth shot is given between 15 and 18 months of age, and a fifth shot is given when a child enters school, at 4–6 years of age. Parents can also help protect infants by keeping them away as much as possible from anyone who has cold symptoms or is coughing.

To hear what Pertussis sounds like, visit Sounds of Pertussis

Are you going to enter the contest? We’d be happy to hear all about your epxerience.

Source: CDC Features: Pertussis (Whooping Cough) – What you need to know ; Sound off about Pertussis