Both children and adults need specific vaccinations to prevent or greatly reduce the chance of developing many serious diseases.

Children have their first vaccinations at birth, and they then have vaccinations at several points throughout their childhood. Adults need regular vaccinations to stay healthy, too.

After a vaccination, your body responds by producing antibodies, protective substances that fight the bacteria or virus.

Then, with future exposure to that bacteria or virus, your antibodies recognize the invader and destroy it or neutralize it so you don't get sick or have a milder case of the illness.

Essentially, vaccinations work within your body's immune system to help you develop immunity safely

Children need a variety of vaccinations to stay healthy as they grow, including:

• Influenza (flu) - yearly
• Measles, mumps, and rubella
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP and Tdap)
• Polio
• Rotavirus
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Meningococcal
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Your child may also need other vaccinations at various points through their childhood. New Wave Physicians Group can provide a personalized recommendation for your child's health needs.

Vaccinations are just as important for adults as they are for children. The main vaccinations that American adults typically need include:

• Influenza (yearly)
• Tdap, if they didn't have it during adolescence
• Tetanus and diphtheria
• HPV
• Shingles
• Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)
• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13)

If you have a chronic disease like diabetes or a serious health condition like high blood pressure (hypertension) or high cholesterol, vaccinations are especially important for you because your body may not have a fully functioning immune system.

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases says that vaccinations are just as important for whole-body wellness as diet and exercise.

New Wave Physicians Group provides chronic disease management, including customized vaccination recommendations to help you maximize your health and avoid preventable illnesses.

If your health changes, your vaccination needs may change. Working in the health care field, traveling internationally, or pregnancy may all change your vaccination needs. New Wave Physicians Group can recommend the right vaccination schedule for you.

If you or your family members need to update vaccinations, or if you're not sure which vaccinations you need, call New Wave Physicians Group or click the online appointment scheduler for support.