Your Best Defense: What Every Family Should Know About Vaccines in 2026

Every year, vaccines quietly do something remarkable: they prevent millions of illnesses that most people never realize they were at risk for. That invisibility is, in a way, the measure of their success. But staying protected requires action – from newborns to grandparents – and the team at Floyd Valley Healthcare is here to help every patient understand what vaccinations they need and why they matter.

“Vaccinations remain the most effective strategy we have for controlling disease, saving lives and ensuring the well-being of our children, friends and family,” says Stephany Zabel RN, Floyd Valley Community Health Manager. “When patients have questions, we want them to bring those questions to us – not search for answers in places that may not have their best interests at heart.”

The Flu Shot: An Annual Commitment Worth Keeping

Influenza is predictable in one sense – it returns every season – and unpredictable in another – the specific strains circulating change from year to year. That’s why public health experts analyze global flu activity annually and update vaccines to match the strains most likely to cause illness. Getting vaccinated each fall ensures your protection is current.

Flu isn’t merely an inconvenience. For young children, older adults, pregnant women and anyone with a chronic health condition, influenza can lead to serious complications, hospitalizations and in some cases, death. An annual vaccination for every eligible member of your household – children and adults alike – significantly reduces the risk of infection, lessens severity when illness does occur and helps keep vulnerable community members safe.

Tetanus: The Vaccine Most Adults Forget to Keep Current

Tetanus is one of those conditions that feels distant until it isn’t. The bacteria that cause it – known as “lockjaw” for the severe muscle stiffness it produces – live in soil and can enter the body through even the smallest cut or scrape, particularly from anything rusty or dirty. Once inside, they produce a toxin that affects the nervous system.

Children receive the tetanus vaccine as part of their routine immunization schedule, providing a strong early foundation. But immunity fades over time, which is why booster shots are recommended every ten years for adults. If you’ve been injured by something with a potentially contaminated edge and you’re unsure when your last booster was, don’t wait – contact your primary healthcare provider to check your records and get a booster if needed.

COVID-19 Vaccines: Where We Are in 2026

The past several years reshaped how communities understand vaccines and the diseases they prevent. COVID-19 vaccines – developed through rigorous research and clinical trials – demonstrated that science could move quickly without cutting corners on safety. Their effectiveness at preventing severe illness and reducing hospitalization rates has been well established.

“The COVID pandemic underscored the crucial role of vaccines in controlling the spread of infectious diseases,” says  Zabel.  “The tools we have now – including updated COVID vaccines – are a direct result of that science.”

COVID-19 vaccines work by priming the immune system to recognize and respond to the virus before an exposure occurs. Vaccinating both children and adults not only reduces individual risk but also limits transmission within households and the broader community –  a principle called herd immunity that becomes especially important in protecting those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

Childhood Immunizations: Building Immunity from Day One

The recommended childhood vaccination schedule is one of the most carefully studied and refined tools in pediatric medicine. Each vaccine on the schedule is timed to provide protection at the age when a child is most vulnerable to that particular disease. Following the schedule isn’t just about protecting your child – it’s about ensuring they enter schools, daycares and communities without becoming a link in a chain of transmission.

“It’s crucial that patients and parents rely on credible sources of information when addressing concerns or questions about vaccinations, especially those for kids,”  Zabel emphasizes. “We understand there’s a lot of noise out there. Our role is to help families cut through it with honest, evidence-based answers.”

Vaccines have a proven track record of safety and effectiveness. The diseases they prevent – measles, whooping cough, polio, and others – may feel like distant history, but they remain real threats when vaccination rates decline. Keeping your child’s immunizations current is among the most impactful health decisions a parent can make.

Questions? Your Floyd Valley Healthcare Team Has Answers

Whether you’re a new parent navigating your baby’s first immunizations, an adult wondering if your boosters are up to date or simply someone who wants to understand more about how vaccines work, the providers at Floyd Valley Healthcare are ready to help. No question is too small when it comes to your family’s health.

“By understanding the value of vaccinations, we can make informed decisions that protect ourselves, our families and our communities,” says Zabel. “That conversation starts with us.”

To schedule a vaccination appointment or speak with a provider about your family’s immunization needs, call Floyd Valley Healthcare at (712) 546-7871 or visit floydvalley.org.