SDDOH reminds families about the importance of childhood immunizations
PIERRE, S.D. — The South Dakota Department of Health is reminding families Thursday that August is National Immunization Awareness Month.
Childhood immunizations can help during the back-to-school season by protecting the health of children and youth.
“Making sure that your child sees their doctor for well-child visits and recommended immunizations is one of the best things you can do to protect your child and community from serious diseases that are easily spread,” said Joan Adam, Department Secretary. “If you think you might be behind on your child’s immunization schedule, talk with your medical provider to determine what is best for you and your family to get back on track.”
The DOH says it is easy to catch up by scheduling a well-child visit with your medical provider where your child can get their recommended immunizations and discuss any questions or concerns.
Keeping children and adolescents up to date with recommended immunizations is the best way to protect them from vaccine-preventable diseases. Among children born from 1994-2018, immunizations prevented an estimated 936,000 early deaths, 8 million hospitalizations, and 419 million illnesses.
