It’s National Immunization Awareness Month: Pass It On!

Every August, while most of us are soaking up the last rays of summer or prepping for back-to-school season, a quieter but vital reminder surfaces: It’s time to talk about immunizations.

National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is not just about childhood vaccines or travel shots. It is about understanding prevention. We all have a responsibility to protect ourselves and those around us. It’s about recognizing the life-saving science behind vaccines—and the life-changing impact they continue to have.

A Timely Reminder for an Ongoing Battle

Vaccines have been one of the greatest public health achievements in human history. And yet, preventable diseases are making a comeback, often in communities with low vaccination rates.

NIAM was established to spotlight this issue—to remind us not to take our immunity for granted. In a time when misinformation can spread faster than a virus, this month serves as an urgent call to action: Stay informed. Stay protected. Stay up to date.

The Comeback of the Preventable

Despite decades of data proving their safety and effectiveness, far too many people still delay or skip vaccines. In 2023 alone, the U.S. saw a dramatic increase in measles cases—nearly 400% higher than the previous year, according to the CDC. All linked to gaps in immunization coverage.

And it’s not just measles. Whooping cough, hepatitis A, and even polio have made unsettling returns in some regions. These are diseases we have the tools to prevent—but only if we use them.

What the Numbers Really Mean

• 4 to 5 million deaths are prevented globally each year due to vaccines (World Health Organization).
• In the U.S., routine childhood immunizations prevent over 42,000 deaths and 20 million cases of disease in each generation.
• 1 in 10 adults in the U.S. is behind on at least one recommended vaccine.
• Only about 49% of adults are up to date on their tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis booster (Tdap).
• The U.S. saved an estimated $406 billion in direct medical costs thanks to vaccines administered between 1994 and 2018.

These aren’t just statistics. They’re stories not told—illnesses avoided, lives protected, hospitals unburdened.

Immunity Is a Community Effort

Vaccination is a personal choice with public consequences. When you’re up to date on your immunizations, you’re not just protecting yourself. You’re protecting newborns who are too young to be vaccinated. You're protecting people battling cancer, autoimmune disorders, or other conditions that weaken their immune systems.

You're building a shield that extends beyond your body—and into your community.

Check In, Catch Up, Protect Others

This month, make it a point to check your vaccine status. Talk to your doctor. Schedule that appointment. Encourage your loved ones to do the same.

Because awareness empowers, and protection begins with action.