MIR-2006-8A, August 2006

August 2006 National Immunization Awareness Month

August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). The goal of NIAM is to
increase awareness about immunizations across the life span, from infants to the elderly.

Why are immunizations important?
Immunization is one of the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century. Vaccines
have eradicated smallpox, eliminated wild poliovirus in the U.S., and significantly reduced the number
of cases of measles, diphtheria, rubella, pertussis, and other diseases. But despite these efforts, today
tens of thousands of people in the U.S. still die from these and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Vaccines offer safe and effective protection from infectious diseases. By staying up-to-date on the
recommended vaccines, individuals can protect themselves, their families and friends, and their
communities from serious, life-threatening infections.

Who should be immunized?
Getting immunized is a lifelong, life-protecting community effort regardless of age, sex, race, ethnic
background, or country of origin. Recommended vaccinations begin soon after birth and continue
throughout life. Being aware of the vaccines that are recommended for infants, children, adolescents,
adults of all ages, and seniors, and making sure that we receive these immunizations, are critical to
protecting ourselves and our communities from disease.

To view the DHHS Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule, click on the following link:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/recs/adult-schedule.pdf.