Immunizations can save lives and protect against serious diseases.  Even if people do contract an illness despite being vaccinated, symptoms are less severe.  Yet many people do not get important vaccinations.  August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a good time to assess whether your vaccines are current.

At RMD Primary Care, we believe quality health begins with preventative care and health maintenance.  Our doctors can help keep children and adults healthy by offering recommended vaccines.

Childhood Immunizations

The state of Georgia recommends a number of vaccines for children from preschool to college.  Many vaccines are required for school attendance.  Children should begin to receive their first vaccines during infancy (birth to 15 months).  These include vaccines for RSV, Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis), Hib, pneumococcal conjugate, inactivated poliovirus, Covid-19, and Influenza.  Some of the above vaccines are given as a series of injections.  Toddlers should receive vaccines for MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Hepatitis A, and Varicella (chickenpox).  Boosters of some vaccines should be given during childhood.  Your child’s doctor or the local health department has the required vaccine forms for school attendance.

Students entering 7th grade are required to have an additional dose of DTaP and one dose of meningococcal conjugate (for bacterial meningitis).  Students entering 11th grade are required to have a meningococcal booster shot.  Georgia does allow for religious objections with a completed special form.

Adult Immunizations

Vaccines shouldn’t stop after childhood.  Adults may receive some vaccines annually, such as Influenza and Covid-19.  An RSV vaccine should be given to pregnant women and adults after age 60, if at risk from severe respiratory illness.

The DTaP vaccine booster can be given every 10 years for adults.  Two doses of Varicella vaccine should be given to adults born in 1980 or later, if they’ve never had chickenpox.  The Shingrex (RZV) series of two vaccines can help prevent shingles.  Adults aged 65 and older should receive vaccines to prevent pneumonia – PCV15 and PCV20, as well as PPSV23.  These vaccines protect against different types of bacterial pneumonia.  They are particularly important for seniors with lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease.

Next Steps

RMD Primary Care provides General Practice, Family Medicine, and Medical Weight Loss Services.  Our doctors can answer questions about specific vaccines your family may need.  Some factors that may impact your need for vaccinations include age, overall health, and travel plans.  Visiting certain countries may expose people to additional diseases, which might mean they need more vaccines before they travel.  Contact us to schedule a vaccine appointment.