MEDIA RELEASE: August is National Immunization Awareness Month

Last Updated: 8/11/2025

With students returning to school in less than a month, it’s the perfect opportunity to highlight the importance of immunizations and the role they play in protecting our health. Immunizations are considered one of the greatest public health accomplishments of the 20^th century, which is why we observe August as National Immunization Awareness Month.

Immunizations are a safe, proven way to protect everyone, especially children from serious communicable diseases. Children’s immune systems are still developing, and immunizations help protect them from diseases that could otherwise seriously impact their health. Additionally, child care facilities, preschool programs, schools, and colleges are prone to outbreaks of infectious diseases. Close quarters, lack of proper hand hygiene, and lack of proper respiratory etiquette all lead to the spread of illness.

Children aren’t the only ones that need immunizations; it’s important that everyone stays up-to-date at every age! During pregnancy, immunizations allow the mother to pass protection to her baby. If you are pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, talk with your provider about the Tdap, RSV, and flu vaccines. Fall is also right around the corner, which means cold and flu season isn’t far away. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot every year.

National Immunization Awareness Month is also a great reminder to parents and caregivers to schedule back-to-school appointments now! New York State requires all students to have received all required doses of vaccines on the recommended schedule in order to attend or remain in school.

For more information on immunizations, visit cdc.gov/vaccines.

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