What’s the significance of “National Immunization Awareness Month”? In simple terms, the primary objective is to promote awareness about immunizations. Some people might think immunizations are essential only for newborns. But, the truth is that some immunizations are needed all throughout the lifespan of humans. In this line, most medical experts think that the month of August is the ideal time to verify whether everyone is current on vaccines, and it would be the right time to plan ahead for the upcoming flu season. Let’s see more about the significance of National Immunization Awareness Month here.

The Need for Vaccines

As mentioned earlier, immunization is not limited to a particular age group. In short, a vaccine is essential for everyone. Remember that you can save your child from fourteen types of life-threatening childhood diseases by vaccinating your child by the age of two. Therefore, it’s important to immunize your child as per the recommendations quoted by the CDC. Following are some of the diseases that can be prevented in your child through vaccinations:

• Haemophilus influenzae type b
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A, B
• Influenza
• Measles
• Mumps
• Whooping cough
• Pneumococcal disease
• Polio
• Rubella
• Tetanus
• Rotavirus
• Chickenpox

Not only newborns and infants, but also your preteens and teens would need immunizations from time to time to protect your friends and family. In general, there are four vaccines suggested for preteens to help save them from serious illnesses. One of them is the most popular flu vaccine, which should be administered every year. The other vaccines that are recommended for children during their eleventh or twelfth year include:

• HPV vaccine
• Quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine
• Tdap vaccine

As most preteens get their shots before school starts, it could be difficult to get an appointment to meet your child’s doctor. Therefore, plan it well before and get an appointment at the earliest to avoid missing the shots. Always be sure to check with your doctor in order to make sure that your preteen is current with the vaccines. Remember, they may have to catch up with vaccines that they have missed while they were young.

So, what about the adults? If you are not sure whether you are current with your immunization schedules, check with your health care provider. They would ask you a set of questions and from the answers you give, they would be able to determine which vaccines you need. Next is the case of elderly people. They also would need one or two vaccines even if they have received all the immunizations during their child and adulthoods. In order to determine which vaccine is right for you, consult your doctor today. As such, the recommended vaccines for elderly people are as follows:

• Flu
• Herpes Zoster
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Whooping Cough
• Pneumonia

Why is August the Best Time for Vaccines?

Okay, so why is August regarded as the best month to get vaccinated? Yes, we agree that vaccines would protect you all year round. But, in August, the summer will be down and it’s a great time for you and all your family members to plan for getting the flu shots. This vaccine is generally available in mid to late August. You need to understand that getting the vaccine as early as possible would prevent you from contracting the flu all through the season.

So, you are taking yourself, as well as your family members for getting the flu shots. Now, you have all the chances to have a talk with your health care provider about other recommended immunizations you would need. Already, I have listed the important vaccines that are to be considered during the particular age. You can take a note of this and ask your doctor whether you would require it when you are meeting him or her for flu shots. Overall, you must always remember that there are several regularly recommended vaccines for all ages. The important ones are here. However, always check with your physician and make sure you are current with all the immunizations.

Being Responsible

So, we know vaccines play an important role in protecting us and our dear ones from deadly diseases. Now, what can we do as responsible citizens? After all, we are nearing the immunization awareness month and we have good roles to play. Remind your family members, friends, and colleagues about the important role vaccines play in saving their health. Encourage each and every college student you meet in your day-to-day life to have a talk with the health care professionals to know whether they require any vaccine before their entry to school. Make sure to reiterate every adult and elderly citizen you meet about vaccines they might require. Especially, reiterate the pregnant women about the importance of vaccines to protect the fetus from diseases like your flu and whooping cough. Finally, be sure to check with your doctor and make sure you are up-to-date with your vaccine schedules. Let’s be responsible citizens and keep the diseases at bay!