August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. Vaccination protects against severe illnesses and complications of vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, polio, hepatitis, meningococcal meningitis and COVID-19.
Vaccinations are so vital that the CDC offers immunization schedules to help you understand if you or others are up to date on shots. Visit CDC.gov/vaccines for recommendations for:
- Infants and children (birth to age 6)
- Preteens and teens (ages 7-18)
- Adults (ages 19 and older)
- Pregnant women (before, during and after pregnancy)
Talk to your doctor for more information on vaccines or to learn more about which ones you may need. Recommended routine vaccines are 100% covered by your health insurance when obtained in-network and without having to reach your deductible first. If you have health insurance with The Arc WC, use your Aetna member ID when obtaining a vaccine at your doctor’s office and use your RxBenefits card when obtaining a vaccine at a member pharmacy.
If you or a family member lack health insurance, contact your local health department to find out about available vaccination programs. The Washington County Health Department can be reached at 240-313-3200.
The Arc WC hosts a flu vaccine clinic, usually in October. Stay tuned for more info. as we firm up the dates and times.