National Immunization Awareness Month: Protecting Health at Every Stage of Life

by Meagan Rico



Each August, communities across the country recognize National Immunization Awareness Month, a time to encourage individuals and families to review their immunization status and make informed decisions about disease prevention.

Vaccines have played an important role in reducing many serious infectious diseases over the past century and remain one of several tools available to help protect individual and public health (World Health Organization [WHO], n.d.).

Whether you are sending a child back to school, starting a new job, welcoming a grandchild, or simply keeping up with your preventive healthcare, August is an excellent time to ensure your family's immunizations are up to date.

Immunizations Are a Lifelong Part of Preventive Care

Many people think of vaccinations as something children receive before starting school. While childhood immunizations are an important foundation for lifelong health, immunization is not limited to childhood. Depending on a person's age, medical history, occupation, travel plans, or other individual risk factors, additional vaccines or booster doses may be recommended throughout adulthood (American Academy of Family Physicians [AAFP], n.d.).

Preparing for a Healthy School Year

For many Kansas families, August means shopping for school supplies, meeting teachers, and preparing for a new academic year. It is also one of the busiest times for pediatric healthcare visits.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) requires students attending Kansas schools to meet state immunization requirements unless they qualify for an exemption under Kansas law. These requirements are designed to help reduce the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases in school settings, where children spend many hours learning and interacting together (Kansas Department of Health and Environment [KDHE], n.d.).

Now is an excellent time to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or the Saline County Health Department to review your family's immunization records and determine whether any recommended vaccines are due. Planning before the school year begins can help avoid last-minute appointments and ensure children are ready for a healthy start. To schedule an appointment with the Saline County Health Department, call 785-826-6602 or visit us at 125 W. Elm Street in Salina.

Why Keeping Immunizations Current Matters

Infectious diseases have not disappeared. Although many illnesses are less common today than they were decades ago, outbreaks still occur both nationally and internationally. Maintaining recommended immunizations helps reduce the risk of illness. It can lessen the likelihood of severe complications from many vaccine-preventable diseases (WHO, n.d.).

Vaccination is not solely about protecting one individual. Families often include newborns, older adults, or loved ones living with chronic illnesses whose immune systems may not respond as effectively to infection. By reducing the chance for diseases to spread, immunization can contribute to healthier homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.

Keeping Accurate Immunization Records

One of the most common questions healthcare providers hear is, "I can't remember which vaccines I've had."

Fortunately, immunization records are often available through healthcare providers or the Kansas Immunization Registry, at myvaccinerecord.ks.gov. Keeping a personal copy of your family's immunization records can make school enrollment, employment, travel, and medical appointments much easier.

If you are unsure whether you or your child are up to date, your healthcare provider or local health department can review your records and discuss any recommended immunizations based on your individual health history.

Start the Conversation

Healthcare decisions are most effective when they are made through open communication between patients and trusted healthcare professionals. National Immunization Awareness Month provides an opportunity to ask questions, review your family's records, and ensure that preventive healthcare remains a priority.

Simple steps you can take this month include:

• Review your family's immunization records.
• Schedule annual wellness visits if they are overdue.
• Talk with your healthcare provider about age-appropriate preventive care.
• Ensure children meet Kansas school immunization requirements before classes begin.
• Keep a personal copy of important health records.

Preventive healthcare is about planning ahead rather than reacting after illness occurs. Taking a few minutes today to review your family's immunization status can help support a healthy school year and promote lifelong wellness.

References

American Academy of Family Physicians. (n.d.). Vaccines and immunizations. https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/patient-care/prevention-wellness/immunizations-vaccines.html

Kansas Department of Health and Environment. (n.d.-a). Kansas school immunization requirements. https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/324/School-Immunization-Requirements

Kansas Department of Health and Environment. (n.d.-b). Immunizations. https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/214/Immunizations

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Vaccines and immunization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization