One Health

This World Immunization Week, we’re celebrating the power of vaccines to protect lives—human and pet alike. From preventing deadly diseases like measles and polio in people, to keeping our pets safe from rabies and parvovirus, vaccines are one of the most effective tools in health.

Whether it's scheduling your booster or updating your pet’s shots, every action counts. Let’s protect our communities—two- and four-legged—through the power of immunization.

#WorldImmunizationWeek #HealthyPeopleHealthyPets

------------------------------
Candice Hinkle
Assistant Director
Program for Pet Health Equity
Knoxville, TN
------------------------------

Thanks @Candice Hinkle.

The Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has immunization recommendations for ages 18 years or younger in the United States. Requirements vary with each state. 

You can review Vaccine Schedules for You and Your Family as recommended by the CDC on their website. 

The World Health Organization has TONS of information about vaccines and immunization world wide. 

For the non human members in your family, it depends on their species as to what vaccines and immunizations are required. Vaccines are recommended for certain animals based on their risk of exposure to the disease, such as through their lifestyle or geographic location. So talking with your veterinarian is very important, so they can recommend what he/she may need to stay safe. For more information, you can visit the AVMA website. 

Stay safe everyone!

------------------------------
T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Program for Pet Health Equity
------------------------------

Well, I'm giggling. I had no idea that it was world immunization week and we have our annual pet shot clinic this weekend! I will try to have that on the radar and make that intentional rather than serendipitous in the future. In our immediate area, we don't see parvovirus, but not far in any direction we are surrounded by a high rate of infections. It is very likely that our rate is low because our immunization rate is high. My community is quite conscientious, and that does not extend to the surrounding areas, unfortunately. It also Correlates to high numbers of stray and unwanted puppies in the surrounding area, but again not in my immediate area. It's something we fight against or worked toward depending on your point of view. Keep calm and vaccinate on.

------------------------------
JUDITH PEARSON
President
The Dixon Animal Protection Society
NM
------------------------------

Candice, 

You're so right in pointing out that vaccines protect not just us but our community as well! Not everyone is able to get vaccinated. Some babies are too young and some people have conditions that prevent them from receiving vaccines. But, if enough of us get vaccinated, we can help to protect those who can't through herd immunity! I think this graphic is a helpful visualization of how vaccines help everyone!

------------------------------
Kaitlyn Davis
Research Associate
UTK Program for Pet Health Equity
TN
------------------------------