August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This month, the Health Department joins the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health officials to celebrate the benefits of vaccines and remind people of all ages to make sure they are up-to-date with all recommended immunizations.
COVID-19 vaccinations are front-and-center in the news, and rightly so! The Health Department urges residents to get their COVID vaccine.
However, NHD also recognizes that many Norwalkers might have skipped or delayed routine doctor’s visits during the pandemic. Well, now is the time to get your check-up! With school starting soon, check now to make sure the kids are up to date on their vaccines and have gotten a school physical if they are due.
- As highlighted during NIAM, people of all ages benefit from vaccines:
- pregnant women, who can protect themselves and pass protection on to their babies;
- babies and young children, because a healthy start begins with on-time vaccination;
- school-aged children, who need back-to-school vaccines;
- preteens and teens, who can ensure a healthy future with vaccines; and
- adults, because vaccines are not just for kids.
During NIAM and throughout the year, the Health Department’s Immunization Action Plan (IAP) Program works with families, health care providers, and the community to ensure that area children, teens, and adults receive age-appropriate vaccines.
“Immunizations protect the health not only of individuals but of the entire community. When vaccination levels decline, diseases can return and put people’s lives at risk, especially the very young, the elderly, and those who cannot be vaccinated,” said Pam Bates, RN, BSN, Norwalk Immunization Action Plan Coordinator. “We want to make sure all of our residents are safe.”
For more information about the Health Department’s services for those seeking vaccines, visit www.norwalkhealth.com.