August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NAIM), which focuses on the need for improving national immunization coverage levels as well as encouraging all Americans to protect their health by being immunized against infectious diseases.
Did you know…
- Young children (under age 6) should get shots that protect against hepatitis, measles, polio, and chickenpox.
- Preteens ages 11 and 12 need shots to protect them from tetanus, diphtheria, meningitis, and whopping cough–in addition, doctors recommend that preteen girls look into getting the HPV vaccine to protect against the most common cause of cervical cancer.
- Adults need a tetanus shot every 10 years, and people age 65 should get a one-time pneumonia shot.
- Everyone over age 6 needs a seasonal flu shot each year.
Always consult your doctor or your child’s pediatrician to find out what shots are best for you and your family. Don’t have a doctor or pediatrician at this time? Check whether or not your employee benefits package at work includes an advocacy service such as Health Advocate that can help you find medical care providers that meet the needs of you and your family.
