Month calls attention to importance of immunization

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), designed to increase awareness about immunizations across the life span, from infants to the elderly.

Now that we're coming into the time of year where parents will be enrolling their children in school, students will be entering college, and healthcare workers will be preparing for the upcoming flu season, it's the perfect time to remind your family, friends and co-workers to catch up on their vaccinations!

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, you can protect not only yourself, but also your family, friends and community 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 immunization 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.

Whether you're traveling to a foreign country, enrolling your kids in school, or gearing up for flu season, take this opportunity to make sure that you and your loved ones are properly vaccinated!

• Lynda Metz is the director of community development at Bonner General Hospital. The information in this article was provided courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.