Three ways to observe National Immunization Awareness Month

National Immunization Awareness Month, observed in August, is a reminder that you have the power to protect yourself, your family, and those around you against many serious diseases. How? By getting the recommended vaccines on schedule.

Here are three things you can do to make sure you and your loved ones have the vaccines you need to keep you healthy.

1. Ask your doctor what vaccines you need. Immunizations aren’t just for children. Adults may need vaccines to protect against diseases such as the flu, shingles, and hepatitis. Women should be up to date on their vaccinations before becoming pregnant, and may need certain vaccines after giving birth. Also, people with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, are at increased risk for complications from certain vaccine-preventable diseases, so it’s especially important that they are up to date on their vaccinations.
2. Add immunizations to your back-to-school checklist. The recommended vaccines during childhood and adolescence protect against 16 serious diseases. Keep in mind that some vaccines require more than one dose for the best protection, so make sure your children are up to date with all immunizations.
3. Encourage your family and friends to do the same. While many childhood diseases, such as measles and whooping cough, are no longer common in the United States, these diseases still exist and can spread when children aren’t vaccinated. And every year, thousands of adults become seriously ill, and even die, from diseases that vaccines can help prevent.

If you have medical coverage* through the Board of Pensions, the immunizations recommended in the 2019 Preventive Schedule are 100 percent covered (no deductibles, copays, or copayments apply) when you use network providers. Annual wellness exams with a primary care provider and health screenings at the intervals on the schedule are also 100 percent covered. Be sure to record preventive visits at calltohealth.org to earn points.

*Those enrolled in Triple-S, GeoBlue, or the Medicare Supplement Plan also have preventive care benefits under their plans, but coverage details may differ. Consult your plan’s provisions for details.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases