CHENANGO COUNTY – Each year, thousands of adults in the United States suffer serious health problems, are hospitalized, or even die from diseases that could have been prevented by a vaccination.

To emphasize the importance of immunizations throughout the life cycle – and to help remind adults that they need vaccines, too – Chenango County Public Health is recognizing August as “National Immunization Awareness Month.” The observance will serve as a an opportunity to make sure area adults are protected against diseases like flu, whooping cough, tetanus, shingles and pneumococcal disease.

When most of us think of vaccines, we envision teary-eyed tots at the doctor’s office or flu clinic getting a cartoon character bandage on their arm after getting a shot. But, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are plenty of reasons that adults should get vaccines, too.