National Immunization Awareness Month

August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). The goal of National Immunization Awareness Month is to increase awareness about immunizations across the life span, from infants to the elderly.

Why Are Immunizations Important?
Vaccines offer safe and effective protection from infectious diseases. By staying up-to-date on the recommended vaccines, individuals can protect themselves, their families and friends and their communities from serious, life-threatening infections.

Who Should Be Immunized?
Getting immunized is a lifelong, life-protecting community effort regardless of age, sex, race, ethnic background or country of origin. Recommended vaccinations begin soon after birth and continue throughout life. Being aware of the vaccines that are recommended for infants, children, adolescents, adults of all ages and seniors, and making sure that we receive these immunizations, are critical to protecting ourselves and our communities from disease.

When Are Immunizations Given?
Although babies, young children, and the elderly are often the most at-risk and the biggest set of age groups receiving shots, NIAM makes sure every adult is aware of the importance of immunization.

Because children are particularly vulnerable to infection, most vaccines are given during the first five to six years of life. Other immunizations are recommended during adolescent or adult years and, for certain vaccines, booster immunizations are recommended throughout life. Vaccines against certain diseases that may be encountered when traveling outside of the U.S. are recommended for travelers to specific regions of the world.

Immunization Schedules

*Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.