National Immunization Awareness Month

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This annual observance highlights the efforts of healthcare professionals to protect patients of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases through on-time vaccination. 

During NIAM, we encourage you to ensure that you are up to date on recommended vaccines. If you have a chronic condition such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, getting sick with vaccine-preventable diseases like flu and pneumonia can lead to serious complications, hospitalization, or even death. Protect yourself – get vaccinated. Learn more: https://go.usa.gov/xwga2external icon 
​

• Every year, thousands of adults in the United States become seriously ill and are hospitalized because of diseases vaccines can help prevent. Many adults even die from these diseases. 
• Adult vaccination rates are low in the United States. Most adults are not aware that they need vaccines. 

• Adults with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease are at greater risk for severe complications from certain vaccine-preventable diseases. Some vaccine-preventable diseases, like flu, can make glucose control more difficult for diabetics or increase the risk of another heart attack for those with heart disease.