This post is republished from DoD Live

Vaccines have been saving lives on and off the battlefield for hundreds of years. Since George Washington first inoculated his troops from smallpox in 1777, our servicemembers have been better prepared to engage in battle and live long, healthy lives – knowing they are protected from some of the world’s deadliest diseases.

Of course, other vulnerable populations like children need this protection too. Today, children typically receive vaccinations for 14 diseases. Before vaccines, these diseases claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. And now, because of widespread vaccination, diseases like polio in the U.S. and smallpox worldwide that were once life-threatening have been completely eradicated.

Getting your child vaccinated has benefits beyond the child who receives the immunization. Immunizations protect your children’s friends, schoolmates, and others they come into contact with who may not have been vaccinated for one reason or another. Grandchildren and future generations are protected from diseases when their parents and grandparents have received immunizations. And the more that children are immunized, the lesser the prevalence of the disease, encouraging its eventual eradication.

The Center for Disease Control recommends following a childhood immunization schedule, recognizing that vaccines are most effective when given at specific ages. Because certain vaccines require multiple, periodic doses, following a schedule is a convenient way to ensure you child is getting all necessary immunizations. You can view a childhood immunization schedule at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/child-schedule.htm.

Because many servicemembers and families move frequently, ensuring your child stays up to date with their vaccination schedule can be difficult. Military Vaccine (MILVAX) Agency wants to ensure that your continuum of care includes vaccination schedules. That’s why we’ve created the MILVAX Immunization Clinic Finder, where you can locate public DoD immunization clinics in your area.

As the summer comes to an end and our children get ready to return to school, please ensure your kids are up to date on their vaccinations. When it comes to immunizations, our nation’s health is dependent on individual efforts, and we can’t limit the spread of disease without our continued adherence to immunization schedules.

Visit http://www.vaccines.mil for news, education, and resources information on specific vaccination guidance and on general prevention measures.