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National Immunization Awareness Month -- August 2008

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National Immunization Awareness Month - Link opens in new windowThe 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.

August is always the perfect time to remind family, friends, co-workers, and those in the community to catch up on their vaccinations as we prepare for the upcoming influenza season and the return to school and college. 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. Other immunizations are recommended during adolescent and adult years, and, for some vaccines, booster immunizations are recommended throughout life. Vaccines against certain diseases may be recommended for those traveling outside of the United States.

In August, and throughout the year, the bureau encourages everyone to make sure immunization records are up-to-date. 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, and any missed vaccinations.

The CDC recommends that all 11- and 12-year-olds receive two vaccines--the meningococcal vaccine, which protects against meningitis and its complications; and the Tdap vaccine, a booster against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis or "whooping cough." The CDC recommends that all 11- and 12-year-old girls receive the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which protects against the most common types of cervical cancer.

Vaccines recommended for adults include the following: influenza, pneumococcal disease, tetanus, and diphtheria. DOH encourages Floridians to contact their local health department or primary care physician to make sure their immunizations are up-to-date. The child, adolescent and adult immunization schedules may be accessed online at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/default.htm

For more information about NIAM, visit the CDC NIAM page at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niam/default.htm

For more information about pre-teen immunization, visit the CDC Pre-teens and Adolescents page at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/spec-grps/preteens-adol.htm, or view Pre-teen Vaccine Campaign materials at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/spec-grps/preteens-adol/07gallery/default.htm.

Additional Links

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

NIAM Materials

All files are Adobe PDF documents under 1MB

Adolescent Immunization Materials

Adult Immunization Materials

For more Immunization matierials, visit our Publications Web-site.

NIAM Activities

  • August 2, 2008 - Leesburg: Back to School Safety Fair, Lake Square Mall, 10401 US Hwy 441
  • August 9, 2008 - Yalaha: Back to School Health Fare, Yalaha Baker, County Rd 48
  • August 16, 2008 - Leesburg: Back to School Health Fair, First Baptist Church