Vaccines play an important role in keeping people of all ages healthy. They’re the best way to help keep you and your loved ones protected from preventable diseases, including chicken pox, measles, and pertussis (whooping cough).

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What you need to know about vaccines

• Vaccines help your body build up protective antibodies needed to fight off infections
• Vaccinations not only protect you from serious diseases, but also help avoid spreading preventable
  diseases to other people in your community, including those who cannot get certain vaccines due to
  age, a weakened immune system, or other serious health condition
• Check with your child’s doctor to see which vaccines are needed to get your child — including
  preteens and teens — up-to-date before school starts
• Adults and children 6 months of age or older should get a flu shot every year to help lower the risk
  of respiratory illness during the upcoming flu season
• COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized,
  and dying

Talk with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about vaccinations or vaccine schedules. You can also use this Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool to determine which vaccinations you may need based on age, travel plans, and other lifestyle factors. Vaccinations are safe and effective, and it’s always better to prevent a disease than to treat one.

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^{This piece of content is provided by the Minnesota Healthcare Consortium and Medica.}

This story was featured in volume 3 of our newsletter, The Central Connection. Click the link below to see what else was inside!

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Vol 3. of The Central Connection >>