August is recognized as
National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)

The goal of NIAM is to increase awareness about immunizations across the life span. Vaccines are one of public health's greatest triumphs. With the exception of safe water, no other health strategy, not even antibiotics, has had such a tremendous effect on reducing disease and improving health. Because of nationwide immunization efforts, the occurrence of many vaccine-preventable diseases has been reduced by more than 99% from the pre-vaccine era. Vaccines have eradicated smallpox, eliminated wild poliovirus in the U.S. and significantly reduced the number of cases of measles, diphtheria, rubella, pertussis and other diseases. However, the viruses and bacteria that cause these diseases still exist in the world.  Vaccine-preventable diseases cause millions of deaths worldwide and tens of thousands of death in the US each year.

Why are immunizations important?
Immunization is one of the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century.  But despite these efforts, today tens of thousands of people in the U.S. still die from vaccine-preventable diseases.Vaccines offer safe and effective protection from infectious diseases. By staying up-to-date on the recommended vaccines, individuals can protect themselves, their families and friends and their communities from serious, life-threatening infections.

Who should be immunized?
Getting immunized is a lifelong, life-protecting community effort regardless of age, sex, race, ethnic background or country of origin. Recommended vaccinations begin at birth and continue throughout life. Being up to date on the vaccines that are recommended for infants, children, adolescents, and adults of all ages is critical to protecting ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities from disease.

When are immunizations given?
Because children are particularly vulnerable to infection, most vaccines are given during the first five to six years of life. Other immunizations are recommended during adolescent and adult years and, for certain vaccines, booster immunization are recommended throughout life. Vaccines against certain diseases that may be encountered when traveling outside of the U.S. are recommended for travelers to specific regions of the world.

Alaska and national information: For children — National Immunization Survey (NIS) 2004 data. In Alaska approximately 1 in 4 children is not properly immunized by the age of 3. This compares nationally to about 1 in 5.

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