August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) The goal of NIAM is to increase awareness about immunizations across the lifespan, from infants to the elderly. August is an ideal time to make sure everyone is up-to-date on vaccines before heading back to school and to plan ahead. Getting vaccinated is an easy way to stay healthy all year round. During the month of August, take the time to make sure that you and your loved ones have received all of the vaccinations you need. By making sure your vaccinations are up to date, you can help prevent harmful diseases from affecting you and your family.
People of all ages need vaccines
Getting vaccinated is important for people of all ages. Here’s some information about vaccines that people need throughout their lives:
- Parents can protect infants and children from 14 serious childhood diseases by age 2. Learn more about immunizations for infants and children.
- Preteens and teens need vaccines too! Getting adolescents vaccinated will also protect their friends and their family members. Find out about the vaccines preteens and teens need.
- Adults: not sure if your immunization schedule is up-to date? Take this online quiz to see which vaccines you need, and use the Vaccine Finder tool below to find a location near you where you can access vaccines.
- Seniors may need one or more vaccines, even if they received vaccines as a child or as a younger adult. Find more information about vaccines for seniors here.
August: A great time to get vaccinated
Vaccines protect you all year round, but August is a great time to get vaccinated.
When taking yourself and your family for your annual checkups, you can also ask your health care provider about other routinely recommended vaccines you might need. For example, you should make sure that the whole family is up-to-date on their DTap/Tdap and MMRV boosters, each of which protects against several serious diseases:
- DTap or Tdap: tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough)
- MMR or MMRV: measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox)
Finally, HPV vaccines help prevent girls and boys from getting cancers later in life that are caused by HPV. If you have questions about the HPV vaccine, read these Frequently Asked Questions, and ask your healthcare provider for more information.
There are many routinely recommended vaccines for people of all ages. These are some examples of vaccines you can discuss with your healthcare provider. Make sure that you and your family are up-to-date on all recommended vaccines.
Vaccines: Our best defense
Vaccines are the best defense we have against these and other serious diseases, and it’s important to make sure that you’re up to date on all recommended vaccines. Use National Immunization Awareness Month as your chance to make sure that all your vaccinations are current. Talk with your healthcare provider about what vaccines you and your family need, and keep putting your healthiest foot forward!
Original post: https://www.vaccines.gov/more_info/features/national_immunization_awareness_month_2014.html