It makes sense that August is National Immunization Awareness Month. As kids across the country head back to school—and share a few million germs in the process—it’s an ideal time to encourage everyone, everywhere to stay up to date on vaccinations. Below, you’ll learn some fun facts about why vaccines are important, and you’ll find a link to resources outlining immunizations you need throughout your life and when you need them. If you’ve fallen behind on your own vaccination schedule, that’s OK, just make it a goal to catch up this month!
- Vaccines save lives. In the last 50 years, immunizations have saved approximately 154 million lives, according to the World Health Organization — and nearly two-thirds of those have been babies.
- Vaccines have eradicated and vastly reduced diseases that were once common. Thanks to vaccines, smallpox no longer exists, and polio is no longer a threat in most of the world. In addition, previously prevalent infectious diseases such as measles, diphtheria, rubella and chickenpox, are often prevented by immunizations.
- Vaccines protect against a whole array of diseases. You’ve of course heard of the Covid-19 vaccine, the flu vaccine and the vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (Tdap). But did you know there are also vaccines for hepatitis B, shingles, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumococcal disease? And many others, too! Just as different immunizations protect you from different viruses and bacteria, each vaccine, itself, is unique. Some, like the influenza vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine, are designed to protect you from the latest strains of the viruses that are in circulation, and are recommended annually. Others require a booster less frequently—like in the case of Tdap, which in most cases is needed every 10 years.
- Vaccines can prevent certain types of cancer. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to cervical, anal, throat, vaginal, vulvar and penile cancers. The HPV vaccine is given to children and young adults to protect them from the viruses that can cause these cancers.
- Vaccines are safe. Vaccines go through rigorous testing and may be in development for years before they become available. Further, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitor side effects that people report and investigate when safety concerns arise. On its website, the FDA makes a powerful statement: “The risk of being harmed by vaccines is much smaller than the risk of serious illness from the diseases they prevent,” it says.
- Vaccination is important for your overall health, and is an act of self-care. According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, vaccines are as important as diet and exercise when it comes to your health. When you get immunized, you’re making the active choice to take care of yourself and your community.
- Vaccines may be required at different times in your life. Schools and workplaces may require certain vaccines. And when you travel, some countries may require proof of vaccination against diseases such as yellow fever and polio. Staying up to date on immunizations can help you stay healthy and prepared.
- Vaccines may be available to you at low or no cost. Check your insurance policy to learn what vaccines are covered. And if you’re in need of assistance in finding low-cost or no-cost vaccines, the American Association of Immunologists shares resources here.
Now that you’ve read about the benefits of vaccines, it’s important to learn which vaccines you and your family need. For general information, check out these charts made by the CDC, which outline vaccine schedules for people of all ages. And for personalized advice, make an appointment for a physical and talk to your doctor about steps you can take —including vaccination — to protect your health.
