August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)

Published August 5, 2024

Immunization is the use of a treatment, such as a vaccine, to help the body resist a specific disease. In the United States, most infants are given their first vaccine soon after birth and throughout their childhood. These vaccines help them build up immunity to diseases such as chicken pox and polio. Adults also need vaccines. As people age, their immunity naturally decreases. Boosters of certain vaccines will help strengthen their immunity to certain diseases. Or they may need age specific vaccines such as Shingles (zoster), which is a disease that is more common in older adults with weakened immune systems.

Many people believe that natural immunity or herd immunity will keep them safe. Natural immunity is when you were previously infected with the germ that causes the disease and your body developed antibodies against the disease to fight off getting infected again. Herd immunity is when there are enough people in your community that have either received the vaccine or have had the disease making it less likely that the disease can be spread in your community. However, natural and herd immunity have their risks. In fact, there are three reasons why it is important to get regular immunizations, especially for children, instead of relying on natural or herd immunity.

1. Some diseases like polio and measles are rare because many generations have been immunized against them. But outbreaks still occur because people travel and can be exposed to the disease.
2. Vaccines will protect you and those around you who might have weak immune systems from the disease. The more people that are vaccinated will result in fewer outbreaks.
3. Some diseases have serious effects on your health, so getting the vaccine is safer than developing natural immunity from getting the disease.

Some people are afraid that vaccines will make them sick and may cause other problems such as autism. However, vaccines are made from weakened or dead germs. The most common side effect of any vaccine is soreness at the injection site. Other mild symptoms or side effects may occur, but these often resolve over a short period of time. And the connection between vaccines and autism has not been confirmed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any concerns you have prior to getting a vaccine.

So, during the month of August, we encourage you to – Get Back on Track – and get caught up on any recommended vaccines.

If you are unsure what vaccines you need, take this short quiz:

• The Adult Vaccine Quiz
• Childhood Vaccine Quiz

Click here to view a short video about the importance of keeping up with immunizations!

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