Peter Christensen, DO

About 1 out of every 3 people in the US will develop shingles (herpes zoster) in their lifetime. If you’ve ever had chickenpox, you can get shingles, too.

“It may seem like a temporary inconvenience, but shingles can cause significant discomfort, as well as lead to serious complications, including nerve pain that can last for months or years after the rash goes away,” said Peter Christenson, DO, Holland Hospital Family Medicine – South Washington. “That’s why getting vaccinated is so important.”

Back to school not only means gathering school supplies, packing lunches and enduring the groans of homework—it also means making sure your child’s vaccinations are up to date.

When it comes to immunization, there really is no question. Without proper immunization, many vaccine-preventable diseases can have dangerous consequences, from seizures and brain damage to blindness and even death—for your child, yourself and others around you both. Before you consider forgoing vaccinations, talk with your child’s health care provider.