Guardians of Immunity: The Vital Role of Childhood Vaccines in a Healthy Future

As the sun-soaked days of summer start to do their disappearing act, it's time to put on your detective hat and unravel the mystery of the missing immunizations. Just like picking out the coolest backpack or sneakers, making sure your children have their immunization shields up is the secret to a fantastic school year ahead. Vaccines are an essential part of keeping kids healthy and ready to learn. In this blog, we'll discuss why it’s important to vaccinate your little ones before returning to school and what vaccines they need.

Why Your Child Should be Vaccinated

There are many reasons why your child should be vaccinated before going back to school. Vaccines are like a shield that protects your child from getting sick so they can focus on what's important: learning and having fun with their friends. Vaccines also protect us from serious illnesses as well. Diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella can have serious difficulties, especially for young children and older adults. But with vaccines, we can prevent these diseases from spreading and taking hold in the first place.

Vaccines are incredibly safe for children. They’ve been tested fully to ensure that they’re effective and free from harmful side effects. So, you don’t have to worry - your child will be safe and ready for school!

What Childhood Illnesses are Protected by Vaccines

Before going to school, kids usually need to get shots for different sicknesses. Some of the most common vaccines that schools require include measles, mumps, chickenpox, rubella, and hepatitis B. There are many other vaccines that kids might need depending on how old they are and where they live. It’s always a good idea to speak with your family doctor to make sure your child is on track with their vaccinations before school starts.

Get Rewarded for Being Vaccinated

Florida Health Care Plans has debuted two new programs to encourage members to make sure their children have all the necessary vaccinations to keep them happy and healthy. Parents of children who receive all recommended vaccines by the age of two will automatically receive a $125 Walmart gift card. Also, parents of children who receive one meningitis vaccine between their 11th and 13th birthday, one Tdap vaccine between their 10th and 13th birthday and two HPV vaccines by the time they are thirteen will automatically receive a $125 Walmart gift card!

Schedule an appointment with your child’s doctor to find out if his or her shots are up to date. Children who are missing shots can get them during that visit. The gift card will automatically be sent once vaccinations are complete. Remember, vaccines are one of the most important public health tools we have. By getting vaccinated, we can protect ourselves and those around us from serious diseases.

So, let's celebrate National Immunization Month by getting vaccinated and spreading the word about the importance of vaccines!

About Florida Health Care Plans

Florida Health Care Plans serves our community with over 9000 local health care providers in Flagler, Volusia, Seminole, Brevard, and St. Johns counties. Our Care Centers are designed with convenience and comfort in mind, whether you’re visiting your family doctor, getting an X-ray, or utilizing our cost-effective, members-only pharmacies.