The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to provide this National Immunization Awareness Month update. The bureau 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 primary care physicians or county health departments to ensure their immunization records are current.
The CDC 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 doctor about getting back on track. 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 (HPV), and any missed vaccinations. If children do not have health insurance, or are only partially insured, parents should ask their doctor or local health department about assistance to pay for vaccines. Adult vaccines include influenza, pneumococcal, tetanus, shingles (herpes zoster), and diphtheria. If any shots are past due, consult the catch-up schedule and ask a doctor about getting back on track. The child, adolescent, and adult immunization schedules may be accessed online at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/default.htm.
Please visit : http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niam/default.htm additional information about National Immunization Awareness Month.
You may access Bureau of Immunization NIAM resource posters for printing at:
http://www.immunizeflorida.org/files/niam_dont_miss.pdf
http://www.immunizeflorida.org/files/niam_value.pdf
http://www.immunizeflorida.org/files/niam_immunize.pdf
http://www.immunizeflorida.org/files/niam_pneumonia.pdf
