Observed every August, National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is a campaign designed to highlight the importance of immunizations for people of all ages
Research continues to show that immunizations are vital for our overall health. They are thoroughly tested to ensure they are safe and effective to receive at the recommended ages.
Immunizations, also called vaccinations, protect us from various forms of disease and infection. Mortality rates worldwide have gone down significantly thanks to the widespread availability of vaccinations.
Vaccinations work by taking advantage of the body’s immune system memory. When you receive a vaccination, you are being injected with a small, weakened strain of the disease you are protecting yourself from. When the body detects these invaders, it creates antibodies that learn how the virus functions and the most effective means of destroying it. Once your body knows how to kill a disease, it remembers it forever. If you are ever infected with a stronger version of the disease, your body will be able to take care of it before it becomes a serious problem.
A critical part of infant health is building up their immune system through vaccinations. Continuing an on-time vaccination schedule throughout the childhood and adolescent years is essential because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.
The need for vaccinations does not go away with age. As an adult, you are at risk for different diseases. Even if you’re “caught up” on your vaccine schedule, there are certain vaccines you need as an adult to prevent serious illnesses such as Pneumonia, Flu, Hepatitis A&B, and HPV. Getting vaccinated is one of the most convenient and safest preventive care measures available.
If you’re behind on vaccinations or need to double-check which vaccinations you need, walk into your local AFC and take back the power to protect against disease today!
