Nobody likes getting shots, but staying up to date on your vaccines can literally be a life saver. August marks National Immunization Awareness Month, and a time to remember that vaccines play an important role in preventing serious, sometimes fatal diseases. Not only does it protect you personally, but it protects others who may not be able to receive vaccines, such as those with a weakened immune system or those at risk for serious complications if they are to contract one of these infectious diseases.
Tens of thousands of Americans needlessly suffer, get hospitalized or even die from infectious diseases that can be prevented with simple vaccines. This includes influenza, shingles, pneumonia, hepatitis and whooping cough. Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that most adults probably haven’t received all the vaccines they need. Our state’s caregivers can play an important role in keeping our communities healthy by assessing their patients’ vaccination needs and strongly recommending the vaccines that are needed.
The start of the school year is also fast approaching, which also makes August the perfect time for children and young adults to get up to date on their vaccines too, as child care facilities, preschools, schools and college dorms are prone to outbreaks of infectious diseases.
Help us spread this message. Staying up to date on vaccines is one of the easiest ways to stay healthy. They’re fast, they’re easy and they’re safe.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Graves
WSHA Senior Vice President for Patient Safety & Quality Operations
jenniferg@wsha.org
