CHENANGO COUNTY – August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This annual observance provides the opportunity to discuss vaccinations' vital role in protecting the health of our loved ones, ourselves, and our community.

Vaccine-preventable diseases have not gone away. Many vaccine-preventable diseases are now rare in the U.S. because of vaccines, but the bacteria and viruses that cause these diseases still exist. These diseases can re-emerge if immunization rates drop. Outbreaks occur worldwide, and exposures can happen with so many people traveling.

Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from preventable diseases. Vaccines help our immune systems fight infection faster and more effectively.

When you get vaccinated, you are also helping to protect those who may not be able to be vaccinated. The more immunized people in a community, the harder it is for disease to spread.

Vaccines will help keep you healthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccinations throughout your life to protect against many types of infections.

When you skip vaccines, you leave yourself vulnerable to illnesses such as HPV and Hepatitis B, which are two leading causes of cancer. Vaccination provides protection not only against the disease itself but against dangerous complications or repercussions that it can bring.

Vaccines are safe. Vaccine safety is a high priority. Every vaccine that the FDA approves goes through extensive safety testing. Even after a vaccine is approved, its safety continues to be monitored through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. Vaccines can have side effects, but the side effects are mostly minor, such as a sore arm, fatigue, or mild fever. Mild reactions typically go away on their own within a few days. Severe or long-lasting side effects are extremely rare.

Vaccines may be required for school, work, travel, and more. People living in congregate settings, such as college students, military personnel, and rehabilitation patients, must be vaccinated against diseases that spread in close quarters.

The importance of vaccinations in protecting individuals and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases cannot be overstated. The unquestionable benefits of vaccines, including their crucial role in eradicating life-threatening illnesses, emphasize their critical importance in disease prevention and control efforts. Keeping up to date with vaccine-preventable diseases and adhering to the recommended immunization schedules are essential to upholding public health. Vaccinations reinforce global health security and help create a healthier and safer world.

NIAM is a perfect reminder to check with your healthcare provider and ensure your vaccinations are current. For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ call your healthcare provider or local pharmacist, or contact the Chenango County Department of Health at (607) 337-1660

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niam/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/

https://cura4u.com/blog/the-importance-of-vaccinations

Persons with questions or requiring additional information may contact the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.

- Information from the Chenango County Health Department