August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This annual observance highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your life. We know the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all aspects of life, including your ability to attend important appointments and receive routine vaccinations.
This year, NIAM serves as an important reminder to catch up on routine visits and vaccinations that may have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. During NIAM, we encourage you to talk to your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider to ensure you and your family are protected against serious diseases by getting caught up on routine vaccination.
As your children head back to school this fall, it’s particularly important for you to work with your child’s doctor or nurse to make sure they get caught up on missed well-child visits and recommended vaccines.
Vaccination is one of the best ways parents can protect infants, children, and teens from sixteen (16) potentially harmful diseases. Vaccine-preventable diseases can be very serious, may require hospitalization, or even be deadly – especially in infants and young children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children age 6 months and older should get the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. The CDC also advises that children age 5 and older who receive the Pfizer vaccine should get a booster at least 5 months after their second shot.
Remember to take care of yourself too! Make sure to receive any vaccines you need to stay healthy. Also make sure your loved ones are protected and stay healthy as well.
A great time to get the COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots is NOW – during National Immunization Awareness Month!
During NIAM, Broward Regional Health Planning Council, will be sharing information and resources on social media to highlight the importance of vaccines. Help us spread the word! Follow the conversation on @BRHPC, and use #Ivax2Protect and #BRHPCHealth to share why you choose to vaccinate.
For additional information or to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment, call Jasmin D. Shirley, Director of the COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach Program at (954) 561-9681 x 1261 or email Jdshirley@brhpc.org.
