National Immunization Awareness Month

July 21, 2010 -- The Bureau of Immunization joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM).  The goal of NIAM is to stress the importance of receiving routine, up-to-date immunizations.

In August, and throughout the year, the bureau encourages all persons to be sure immunization records are up-to-date. August is the perfect time with the new school year and flu season approaching, to remind family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors to update their vaccinations. Vaccines are safe and effective protection. By staying up-to-date on recommended vaccinations, individuals can protect themselves, their families, and loved ones from disease. Because children are particularly vulnerable to infection, most vaccines are given during the first five to six years of life. Some immunizations are recommended throughout adolescent and adult years; while special vaccines may also be administered to international travelers. The bureau encourages Floridians to contact their healthcare provider or county health departments to ensure their immunization records are current.

The CDC's immunization schedules list the ages when each vaccine or series of shots is given. If children, adolescents, or adults have missed any shots, consult the catch-up schedule and check with your healthcare provider about getting back on track. The CDC recommends that children receive vaccines against diphtheria, influenza, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, polio and others. Adolescents should receive vaccines against influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal disease, pertussis, human papillomavirus, and any missed vaccinations.  If children do not have health insurance, or are only partially insured, parents should ask their healthcare provider or local health department about assistance to pay for vaccines. Adult vaccines include influenza, pneumococcal, tetanus, shingles (herpes zoster), diphtheria, and pertussis. If any shots are past due, consult the catch-up schedule and ask your healthcare provider about getting back on track. The child, adolescent, and adult immunization schedules may be accessed online at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/default.htm.

Please visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niam/default.htm for additional information about NIAM. 

Additional Links

National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition
National Immunization Month E-card: http://www.hmhb.org/NIAM/

NIAM Materials

• National Immunization Awareness Month - Don't miss opportunities to vaccinate.
• National Immunization Awareness Month - The value of vaccine. The security of protection
• National Immunization Awareness Month - Immunize. Prevent disease transmission

Adolescent Immunization Materials

• Pre-teen Immunization Awareness - Keep students and classrooms healthy
• Adolescent Shots

Adult Immunization Materials

• Adult Shots
• The Pneumococcal Shot
• Protect Yourself and Your Children From Pertussis!
• Protect Yourself and Your Grandchildren From Pertussis!
• It’s Time for Healthcare Providers to Get the Tdap Vaccine
• Tetanus Prophylaxis in Wound Management

For more immunization materials, visit our Publications Website.