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August is National Immunizations Month

By Airman 1st Class Daniel Openshaw, 341st Medical Operations Squadron / Published July 26, 2007

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MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month. The goal of NIAM is to increase awareness about immunizations across the life span, from infants to the elderly. 

August is the perfect time to remind family, friends, co-workers and people in the community to catch up on their vaccinations. Parents are enrolling their children in school, students are entering college and healthcare workers are preparing for the upcoming flu season. 

Why are immunizations important? 
Immunization is one of the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century. Vaccines have eradicated smallpox, eliminated wild poliovirus in the U.S. and significantly reduced the number of cases of measles, diphtheria, rubella, pertussis and other diseases. But despite these efforts, today tens of thousands of people in the U.S. still die from these and other vaccine-preventable diseases. 

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? 
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.

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