“Vaccines don’t just protect kids against frequent disruptions to attendance like influenza - they also shield the people around them who are endangered by any illness, like elderly relatives, pregnant women and infant siblings. It has to be a community-wide effort,” says James Hodges, MD, family physician on staff at Frye Regional Medical Center. “Frye is proud of the fact that we have wiped out awful diseases like polio in this country and how you can only read about smallpox in history books. We urge everyone in Hickory to schedule your children for their shots early so you can avoid long waits and make your lives a little easier - which every parent needs.”
Dr. Hodges encourages families to get the facts about vaccination and keep a list of immunization recommendations in a prominent place as a reminder. Most children are not thrilled to be going in for yearly shots and some may drag their feet – physicians have seen great success for parents who combine immunization visits as just one part of an otherwise fun and positive day of enjoyable activities. They also advocate discussions with young ones about the need for vaccination in order to help kids develop into adults who place health as a top priority. Teaching children to start on this path early is the
best gift any parent can give to their child.
For physician referral, call 828-315-3391.
Frye Regional Medical Center is a member of Spirit of Women®, an elite coalition of American hospitals and healthcare providers that ascribe to high standards of excellence in women’s health, education, and community outreach. This exciting program promotes Frye Regional Medical Center as a regional leader in women’s health education and community outreach for women and their families in the Greater Hickory Metro Area. For information on how to become a member, log onto www.fryemedctr.com/spiritofwomen.