Eating healthy? Check!

Exercising (at a Park and Recreation greenway, recreation center or fitness center)? Check!

Getting plenty of rest? Check! (Sometimes.)

Up-to-date immunization?

If you and your family are making great strides at living your best and healthiest life, make sure your immunization records are part of your health checklist.

You might be thinking “I never get sick,” or “I just don’t have the time.” However, it’s important to remember that immunizations not only protect you, they also protect those you spend time with the most. And if you have children, North Carolina law requires that students show proof of certain required vaccines within the first 30 days of the school year. 

Why is it important to get vaccinated?

Courtesy of the National Foundation for infectious Diseases.

Nurse giving an adult a shot in their arm.
  1. Vaccine-preventable diseases have not gone away.
    The viruses and bacteria that cause illness and death still exist and can be passed on to those who are not protected by vaccines. While many diseases are not common in the U.S., global travel makes it easy for diseases to spread.
  2. Vaccines will help keep you healthy.
    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccinations throughout your life to protect against many infections. When you skip vaccines, you leave yourself vulnerable to illnesses like shingles and flu. Plus HPV and hepatitis B, which are leading causes of cancer.
  3. Vaccines are as important to your overall health as diet and exercise.
    Like eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting regular check-ups, vaccines play a vital role in keeping you healthy. Vaccines are one of the most convenient and safest preventive care measures available.
  4. Vaccination can mean the difference between life and death.
    Vaccine-preventable infections can be deadly. Every year in the U.S., prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 50,000 adults died from vaccine-preventable diseases.
  5. Vaccines are safe.
    The U.S. has a robust approval process to ensure that all licensed vaccines are safe. Potential side effects associated with vaccines are uncommon and much less severe than the diseases they prevent.

 More reasons to get immunized.

Now you’re ready to get vaccinated. Excellent! Here are FAQs about making that happen in Meck County. 

Where do I get vaccinated?

V for vaccinated

You have a lot of options! There’s your doctor, of course. There’s also Mecklenburg County Public Health. They offer immunizations to all ages in a safe and caring environment at the following locations:

What vaccines do I need?

Take a look at the current immunization schedule. The vaccines you need are broken down by age.

What should I bring?

  • ​Important!  Bring copies of your child’s immunization record. This lets staff know which vaccines your child has had even if they’ve never visited the Public Health Department.
  • Insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and/or HMO card
  • Proof of income (W-2, check stub)
  • Personal ID (driver license, birth certificate, social security card, etc.)

Now that you know the facts, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. Protect yourself, those you love most and your whole community from deadly diseases.