National Immunization Awareness Month: Protecting All Age Groups

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an annual observance that highlights the importance of immunizations for people of all ages.

Keeping your family up to date with recommended immunizations protects not only your loved ones but also your entire community, including older adults, children, infants, and those with weakened immune systems.

Pomona Valley Health Centers offers comprehensive immunization services for people of all ages.

What is National Immunization Awareness Month?

National Immunization Awareness Month was established in 2004 to raise awareness about the critical role immunizations play in protecting overall public health.

Coordinated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health organizations, this observance emphasizes the importance of reducing the occurrence of vaccine-preventable diseases and promoting community health. Vaccines help prevent the spread of contagious diseases, protect vulnerable populations, and reduce healthcare costs.

The goal of this national awareness month is to educate communities about the benefits of immunization and increase immunization rates across the country to support public health efforts.

The Healthy People 2030 initiative aims for 95% vaccination coverage for key childhood vaccines.

Why immunizations matter for community health

Vaccines offer more than individual protection. They safeguard entire communities.

Immunization awareness is essential because high vaccination rates promote herd immunity. When enough people are vaccinated, it prevents the spread of contagious diseases. In turn, this helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated due to age or medical conditions.

Curbing the spread of preventable diseases

Vaccination programs have significantly reduced or eliminated many dangerous diseases, including:

• Polio: Once a leading cause of paralysis, polio cases have dropped by over 99% worldwide since the introduction of vaccines, according to the CDC.
• Measles: Another CDC study reports that U.S. cases fell by more than 99% after the vaccine was introduced, but recent outbreaks have occurred in areas with lower vaccination rates.
• Whooping cough (pertussis): Vaccines have reduced cases by 80% since the 1940s. However, infants remain at risk if community vaccination rates drop, says the CDC.

According to the CDC, childhood immunizations in the U.S. prevent an estimated 42,000 deaths and 20 million cases of disease each year.

The role of herd immunity

High community vaccination rates create a protective shield around vulnerable populations, reducing the risk of outbreaks.

For example:

• About 95% vaccination coverage is needed for measles
• Approximately 80-86% of vaccination coverage is needed for polio

Safeguarding vulnerable populations

Immunizations are critical for populations at higher risk for severe illness:

• Infants and older adults face higher risks from vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Individuals who are immunocompromised and those with chronic illnesses may not be able to receive vaccinations, relying instead on high vaccination rates and herd immunity to reduce their infection risk.
• Outbreaks in under-vaccinated areas can lead to serious complications, especially for vulnerable populations.

For example, measles is a very contagious viral infection that can lead to serious complications in infants, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. In communities with lower vaccination rates, these vulnerable populations face increased risks for severe outcomes, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death.

Essential immunizations throughout life

Vaccination is important at every stage of life. National Immunization Awareness Month, also known as immunization month or vaccination awareness month, highlights the need for age-appropriate vaccines.

Childhood immunization essentials

Children receive CDC-recommended vaccinations to prevent serious illnesses that once caused widespread disability and death (e.g., measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and chickenpox).

Extensive research confirms these vaccinations are safe and highly effective for children. Most schools require up-to-date immunizations for enrollment.

Adolescent vaccinations for ongoing protection

Teenagers need additional vaccines to maintain protection. These include:

• HPV vaccine to help protect against several types of cancer
• Meningococcal vaccines to protect against bacterial meningitis
• Tdap boosters to maintain protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis

These vaccines are timed for adolescence to maximize effectiveness before potential exposure.

Adult boosters and special vaccines

Adults also need regular boosters and may require special vaccines, such as:

• Td or Tdap boosters every 10 years
• Annual influenza vaccine
• Tdap and flu vaccines during pregnancy to protect mom and baby
• Travel vaccines for international trips.
• Certain professions (e.g., healthcare) may require additional immunizations.

Older adult immunization priorities

Older adults face a higher risk of complications from several diseases. Therefore, they need the following to prevent hospitalizations and serious illness and promote health and independence:

• Shingles vaccine to prevent painful outbreaks and complications
• Pneumococcal vaccine to protect against pneumonia and bloodstream infections
• Higher-dose flu vaccine for stronger protection

Understanding National Immunization Day and vaccination initiatives

National Immunization Day is a specific day dedicated to large-scale vaccination efforts to promote immunization against specific diseases, like polio. It differs from National Immunization Awareness Month, which spans the entire month of August.

In 2024, the focus of National Immunization Day included increasing vaccine confidence, improving access, and addressing misinformation. Major initiatives include expanded access to COVID-19, flu, and routine childhood vaccines.

Where to get vaccinations in your community

Local clinics and community health centers

Pomona Valley Health Centers is a one-stop resource for immunizations, preventive care, and support services for individuals of all age groups and their families. We offer:

• Routine childhood, adolescent, adult, and travel vaccines
• Coordinated care with access to medical records

Schedule an appointment at PVHC

Pharmacies and health departments

Pharmacies and county health departments are convenient alternatives for many vaccines. We encourage you to choose the option that best fits your needs and vaccine requirements.

• Pharmacies typically offer vaccines for flu, COVID-19, shingles, and some travel-related diseases.
• County health departments provide low-cost or free vaccines, especially for children and underserved populations.

Scheduling appointments and follow-ups

At Pomona Valley Health Centers, we make it easy and convenient to stay on top of your family’s immunizations. Protect yourself and your loved ones by keeping up with vaccines. Here’s how:

• Bring your immunization records and insurance information to appointments.
  • Note: You can easily keep track of your vaccine history using a personal record or digital app.
• Follow the recommended vaccine schedule for full protection.

A healthy future for all generations

Immunizations are essential for individual and community health. Research continues to make vaccines safer and more effective, but preventing disease outbreaks requires that everyone do their part.

High immunization rates create herd immunity, protecting not only individuals but also entire communities.

Schedule your family's immunizations or learn more about age-appropriate vaccine recommendations by requesting an appointment with Pomona Valley Health Centers or visiting your nearest PVHC urgent care center today.

FAQs about National Immunization Month

How do I find low-cost or free vaccines in my area?

Community health centers, local health departments, and programs like Vaccines for Children offer affordable or free immunizations to eligible individuals.

Are vaccines still necessary for diseases we rarely see anymore?

Yes, continued vaccination is essential to prevent the return of diseases that have become rare thanks to successful immunization programs.

What should I do if I've missed some recommended vaccines?

Catch-up vaccination schedules are available for all ages. The CDC provides detailed guidance to help individuals get back on track safely and effectively.

Depending on which vaccines are overdue, your healthcare provider may recommend receiving multiple doses over a shorter period to ensure full protection. It’s important to review your immunization history with your provider so they can create a personalized plan that restores your immunity quickly and safely.

How do vaccines work to protect the body?

Vaccines train your immune system to recognize and fight specific germs, providing protection without causing the disease itself.

Can I receive multiple vaccines during the same visit?

Yes, many vaccines can be safely given together, which helps ensure you stay protected and up to date.