August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)
This annual observance highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your life. You have the power to protect yourself and your family against serious diseases like whooping cough, cancers caused by HPV, and pneumonia through on-time vaccination. As children begin school this fall, make sure vaccination is at the top of your checklist. August is also a key time to make sure you are up to date on vaccines you need to stay healthy.
Childhood/Adolescent Vaccination
Protect your baby against 14 serious childhood diseases, like measles and whooping cough by staying up to date on vaccines. Parents remember that well-child visits are essential. Vaccination helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. The ability of a vaccine to help the body produce immunity can vary depending on the child's age when the vaccine is given. The vaccine will work the best and give the most benefit when you follow the timing of the childhood immunization schedule as recommended.
- One of the best ways to help keep your baby safe and healthy is by giving them all recommended vaccinations. View the parent-friendly immunization schedule to make sure your child is staying on track.
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/growing/
Adult Vaccination
- Do you know if you are up to date on vaccines? You may need vaccines based on your age, health conditions, job, or other factors. Ask your medical provider to find out which vaccines might be right for you.
- If you have a chronic condition such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, getting sick with vaccine-preventable diseases like flu and pneumonia can lead to serious complications, hospitalization, or even death.
Protect yourself – get vaccinated.
- Diabetes, even if it is well managed, can make it harder for your immune system to fight infections. You may be at greater risk of more serious problems from an illness compared to people without diabetes. It is important for adults with diabetes to keep their vaccines current.
Maternal Vaccination
- Are you expecting? Check with your prenatal care provider to be sure you are up to date on your vaccines. Some vaccines are recommended during pregnancy to help protect you and your baby.
- Getting a Tdap vaccine during the third trimester of pregnancy prevents more than 3 in 4 cases of whooping cough in babies younger than 2 months old. It is also important for expectant fathers and grandparents to get a Tdap vaccine to protect the baby. Learn more about the vaccines you need during pregnancy in CDC's interactive vaccine guide.
- Expectant mothers – have you received all your recommended maternal vaccinations, such as flu and Tdap vaccines? Pregnant women who get vaccinated pass antibodies to their developing babies, which protects them in the first few months of life.
To learn more go to www.CDC.gov/vaccines Persons with questions or requiring additional information may contact the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.