Pediatrician Passionate About Vaccinations

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, the perfect time to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages, especially  children returning to school. 

Adena Pediatrics’ Dr. Amy Maggard has a desire to educate parents on the topic of vaccinations, to dispel some of the myths surrounding certain vaccines.

“I feel very passionate about vaccinations for children,” said Dr. Maggard. “It is a preventative medicine that can help save lives. There can be a lot of misinformation out there, and I think it’s very important to educate patients – and their parents – on the facts.”

She added, “I have a lot of parents say they aren’t going to vaccinate their children due to claims that vaccines cause autism or other diseases. These studies have been carefully researched and disproven.”

Without vaccines, children are at increased risk to acquire and spread disease to others. “Immunization is key to preventing disease,” Dr. Maggard said. “Immunizations reduce the number of deaths and disability from infections, such as: measles, whooping cough and chickenpox.”

“While children get the majority of the vaccinations, adults also need to be sure they are immune to specific infections, and stay up-to-date on certain vaccinations,” she said. “Adults should have the TDaP vaccine once every 10 years. Those over 60 should get the Shingles vaccine and those over 65 should get the Pneumococcal vaccine. I also recommend all children and adults get their yearly flu shot. Adults should also look into whether or not they have received the Hep A or HPV shot.”

Parents should check with their child’s doctor, school or the local health department to learn about required vaccines in their state or county.

New to Adena Health System, Dr. Maggard is not new to our region, having spent the majority of her life in Athens County. She is excited about joining the team at Adena Pediatrics. “I am very eager to not only be working at Adena, but to be back in southern Ohio,” she said. “I am very excited to be home and I look forward to taking care of the community that has helped me so much along the way.”

Dr. Maggard is currently accepting new patients from newborn to 18 years old. Visits can be for well-child exams, sick visits, adolescent visits and ADHD. To schedule an appointment for your child, visit adena.org/FIND or call 740-779-4300.