Vaccines are often associated with childhood, but protecting your health through immunization is important throughout every stage of life. National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), observed each August, is a reminder that recommended vaccines help protect children, teens, adults and older adults from serious diseases that can often be prevented.
Whether you’re preparing your child for a new school year, expecting a baby or keeping up with routine healthcare as an adult, staying current on vaccinations is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and those around you.
Vaccines Save Millions of Lives
Vaccination remains one of the greatest public health achievements in modern medicine. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccines prevent an estimated 3.5 to 5 million deaths worldwide every year from diseases such as measles, influenza, tetanus and whooping cough.
In the United States, vaccines have dramatically reduced or eliminated illnesses that once caused widespread hospitalizations and deaths, allowing many diseases to become rare.
Immunization Is Important Beyond Childhood
Many people don’t realize that vaccine recommendations continue into adulthood.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults stay up to date on vaccines based on factors such as age, health conditions, occupation and travel plans. Depending on individual needs, this may include annual flu vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines, tetanus boosters, shingles vaccines for older adults and pneumococcal vaccines for people at higher risk.
For children and adolescents, following the recommended immunization schedule helps protect against diseases before they are most likely to occur.
Vaccination Protects the Community
Some people cannot receive certain vaccines because of medical conditions or weakened immune systems. When more people in a community are vaccinated, it helps reduce the spread of disease and protects those who are most vulnerable.
The CDC notes that maintaining high vaccination rates is one of the most effective ways to prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
It is important to monitor your health regularly to prevent, detect, and manage potential risks. At University Medical Center, our health professionals are here to support your overall well-being. Call (915) 521-7979 today to schedule an appointment or visit umcelpaso.org to learn more.
