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National Immunization Awareness Month begins

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Phelps
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  School is starting soon and along with that, so is flu season. To help raise awareness of the upcoming challenges that come with this time of year, August is National Immunization Awareness Month.

According to the Health and Wellness Center here, the goal of NIAM is to increase awareness about immunizations across one's life span, from infants to the elderly.

Immunizations prevent diseases that are very common, said Master Sgt. Tracy Sankey, 20th Medical Operations Squadron immunization element noncommissioned officer-in-charge.

They are considered to be one of the most significant health achievements of the 20th century, commented the sergeant.

Several diseases have been eradicated in the U.S., such as polio and smallpox, because of immunizations, added Sergeant Sankey. Other diseases have been significantly reduced such as measles, diphtheria and rubella as a result. However, many in the U.S. still die from these and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

"Just by giving routine immunizations, lives are saved," she added.

The clinic is offering free immunizations when youth come in for their sports physical to help add to the ease of getting vaccinated and making sure people are up to date.

"This is also a good time to come in and check on your status and see if you are up to date with your immunizations," commented the sergeant.

With flu season coming up, it is a simple process for Airmen and their families to receive the vaccination, said the immunization technician. The Department of Defense sends the vaccination out to installations at one time. Then the clinic opens the doors and they can give it to anyone who comes through the door, depending on supply.

When patients come into the clinic, the immunizations technician will take a look at their age and what they are required to have, explained Sergeant Sankey. Then based on what the Center for Disease recommends, the clinic has everything lined up according to the patients' age groups. In the case of children, the doctor will explain to the parents what the child needs.

Recommended vaccinations begin soon after birth and will continue throughout one's life. It is important to be aware of what those are for infants, children, adolescents and adults of all ages.

Making sure that people receive these immunizations is critical to protecting ourselves and our community from disease, she commented.

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

(Information from a Health and Wellness Center article was used)