Women’s History Month: Protecting Your Health & Honoring Medical Pioneers
Happy Spring! March is Women’s History Month so this week we’re wrapping up the month by spotlighting important vaccines for women, recognizing the amazing women behind the COVID-19 vaccine, and sharing resources about historic female pioneers in health and medicine. Keep reading for valuable health info, inspiring stories, and resources to learn more!
5 Key Vaccines for Women’s Health
Vaccines are a powerful tool for preventing serious illnesses and keeping you healthy! While vaccinations are important for everyone, this week we wanted to highlight a few vaccines that are of particular importance to women. Check out the list below for 5 key vaccines recommended by healthcare providers (along with a couple of bonus recommendations for specific situations).
Recommended Immunizations for Women:
- COVID-19: Protects you from the potentially severe respiratory illness caused by the COVID-19 virus. It is recommended for everyone, especially those at high risk of complications.
- Hepatitis B: This vaccine shields you from a liver infection that can lead to serious health problems. Vaccination is recommended for all adults, particularly those with risk factors.
- HPV: Guards against the human papillomavirus, a leading cause of cervical cancer. Vaccination is most effective before age 26.
- Flu Shot: Protects you and your loved ones from seasonal influenza. It’s especially important for pregnant women and those at high-risk for complications.
- MMR: This three-in-one vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Women planning pregnancies should ensure they’re immune to rubella as Rubella during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects.
- Tdap: This booster shot guards against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Pregnant women and those around infants should be vaccinated to safeguard vulnerable populations.
Other Vaccines To Consider:
- RSV: This new vaccine helps protect newborns from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a potentially serious illness. Talk to your doctor to see if it’s right for you during pregnancy.
- Varicella (Chickenpox): While not essential for all women, this vaccine may be helpful for women of childbearing age who haven’t had the disease.
Wondering which vaccines you might need? Talking with your healthcare provider can clear things up. They’ll help you determine which vaccinations you may be missing and offer personalized recommendations based on your individual risk factors. These factors include your health, age, job, lifestyle habits, and past vaccinations.
Women Scientists Behind The COVID-19 Vaccines
Women in science played many critical roles during the Coronavirus Pandemic, including serving as healthcare workers and pioneers in medical innovation. They have been at the forefront of vaccine research and have developed groundbreaking treatments. Their exceptional leadership has helped guide us toward a safer world while inspiring future generations of young girls to pursue careers in science and technology. Click here to learn more about a few of the women who have played an essential role in the development of the life-saving COVID vaccines.
Women Who Paved The Way In Healthcare
Finally, we wanted to conclude by sharing a resource you may find interesting. As part of Women’s History Month, The National Academy of Medicine showcases the extraordinary contributions of female trailblazers who have devoted themselves to improving the well-being of others and advancing health and medicine. To find out more about the remarkable history of women in medicine visit: NAM – Women’s History Month
Thank you for joining us in honoring Women’s History Month. We hope you’ve found the information we’ve shared to be useful and insightful. For resources and more information about women who’ve helped advance the fields of health and medicine, please visit the links below.
Resources:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Get Recommended Screening Tests and Immunizations for Women
The Woman’s Clinic – 5 Vaccines Every Woman Needs
HHS – Vaccines for Pregnant People
NAM – Women’s History Month
Women In Science Who Are Making A Difference During The Pandemic
