Each year, a substantial number of adults in the United States become seriously ill, leading to hospitalization, all due to illnesses that could have been easily prevented through vaccination. This is in part why we celebrate National Immunization Awareness Month to remind everyone about the importance of getting the appropriate vaccines at various life stages. This month, make it a priority to safeguard your health and health of your family from vaccine preventable illnesses.

Vaccines play a crucial role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and reducing the impact of outbreaks. They have significantly contributed to the reduction of many serious illnesses and have been instrumental in saving numerous lives over the years. Vaccines have even more significance for those dealing with chronic illnesses, as these conditions often undermine the immune system’s effectiveness or make the body more susceptible to infections. People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders, are at a higher risk of developing severe complications if they contract certain infections. Vaccines can help prevent these infections and reduce the likelihood of complications that could worsen their underlying health conditions.

FL-VIP (Florida, Vaccinate, Immunize and Protect) is a community resource program in Suwannee County that provides immunization communication and education materials so that residents can make informed choices on how to protect themselves and their families from vaccine preventable illnesses. This program participates in community educational events and mobile health clinics to bring information, free vaccines, and free health screenings to the community. When you think of the letters V.I.P. think of the following:

• Vaccinate: Vaccines offer a secure and efficient method of safeguarding individuals from harmful diseases without the necessity of experiencing the actual infections themselves.
• Immunize: Immunity occurs following vaccination when your body generates antibodies to combat a new virus or germ.
• Protect: Immunity can prevent you from falling ill or experiencing severe illness. It halts the spread of the virus and safeguards communities.

To learn more about the FL-VIP for Healthy Communities program click on the link below.

https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/florida-vip/

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