What is this about?

This edition of Connections newsletter provides the just-released, definitive guidance on all recommended immunizations over the human lifespan for the U.S. population. The recommendations are in two parts; Part 1 is for adults 19 and up and Part 2 is for infants and children through age 18.  This is the most comprehensive set of vaccination recommendations issued by the federal government to date and supersedes all previous federal guidance. A very handy, graphically attractive reference with plenty of detailed qualifications and comments. A timely issuance in an era where vaccine hesitancy has been steadily growing and where all parties involved need a common reference point for disease prevention.  However, I do believe that we still need to maintain a fairly high level of personal vigilance when considering our own and our family members potential reactivity to the vaccines involved for both health status effects as well as economic liability issues.

Why is this important?

This infographic PDF is important because it provides in one place all the recommended federal guidance on all currently available immunizations.  This is important because it potentially places in the hands of every employee the best science we have on the use of vaccination as a major health protection and disease prevention strategy for our population. This document provides a clear and concise reference starting point for researchers, administrators and clinicians to move forward with science-based modifications for improved population health.

What can you do with this document?

• First, the document answers the question…”What immunizations(aka vaccinations) should be given at what ages and what are the possible contra-indications?”
• Next, skim the document for the major diseases that affect the population you are working with.
• Next, identify where, when and how this infographic should be used to educate volunteers, staff, employees and managers.
• Next, determine your preliminary plan for its distribution and use and have it approved by management.
• Next, carry out your distribution and use strategies.
• Next, determine if the immunization issue should be included in your annual screening protocol and consider whether you should print out the document and provide it to participants as part of your screening process.
• Finally, review your progress periodically and consider whether additional activities regarding immunizations are needed.

In summary, this infographic document provides a very useful science-based piece of comprehensive guidance for all employees to consider (and potentially pass on to their PCP.) to consider the best science we have on the use of immunizations for health protection and improvement.