August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an annual observance in the United States sponsored by the National Public Health Information Coalition. The goal is to increase awareness about the importance of immunizations at every stage of life. Vaccines are the easiest defense in helping prevent the spread of disease and infection.
Many recent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States including whooping cough, measles, and mumps, are due to parents who have unvaccinated children. When vaccination rates drop in communities, it is common for an outbreak to occur (CDC, 8/15/16). It is crucial to educate yourself and family with the facts about vaccines to assure safety from vaccine-preventable diseases.
August is a great time to get up-to-date on vaccinations as the summer season comes to an end and before the flu season begins; it is also an opportunity to discuss with your health care provider about other recommended vaccines you and your family members might need. Choose to protect your family and community from the spread of disease by getting vaccinated.
•	HPV is strongly recommended for young girls and boys ages 11 or 12 to help prevent cancers caused by HPV later in life (series of 3 doses). Young women can get the vaccine through age 26, and young men through age 21.
•	Vaccinations have an expiration date; they wear off as you get older and your body may not have the same level of resistance against the same viruses and bacteria as it once did.
•	Age and lifestyle changes. The risk for disease may increase as we get older due to health conditions, hobbies, travel, job etc.
•	Vaccines are especially important for individuals with chronic conditions.
Succeed Management Solutions, LLC offers a variety of safety documents related to health and wellness including: Influenza Virus – Preventing the Spread, Whooping Cough, Infections – Viral Hepatitis, Zika Virus, and more.