Thursday, August 12, 2021
August is known as National Immunization Awareness Month. According to many health providers, public health professionals, and governmental health agencies, there is no preventive health measure that is more important than vaccination. The World Health Organization (WHO) endorses vaccines as an effective method to prevent and control several different infectious diseases. This month serves as a crucial opportunity to highlight the importance of vaccination, especially within older adults, caregivers, and their families.
As of August 12, 2021, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reports that 51.06% of Illinois residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In addition, 75.8% of the 65 and over population in Illinois is fully vaccinated. Vaccine efforts at AgeGuide as well as statewide continue in order to reach a higher percentage of fully vaccinated individuals. The Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are safe, effective, and strongly recommended to all those eligible.
AgeGuide emphasizes that National Immunization Awareness Month is applicable to all widely recommended vaccines. After all, flu season is right around the corner! Unfortunately, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases details that most adults in the U.S. do not receive all recommended vaccines that fight against infectious diseases. The pandemic has made this gap even larger than before. Overall, the pandemic has caused a decreasing trend in adult vaccination rates. At this point, the end goal is to work towards returning adult vaccination rates to what they were before COVID-19. If you have not visited your doctor during the pandemic, it is important to return for your well visit to keep up to date on vaccinations and regular health screeings.
This time of year is optimal to prepare for the influx of seasonal flu viruses that often happen during the fall and winter months. In other words, now is the perfect time to get your flu vaccine! Visit your doctor or your local pharmacy to inquire about receiving the flu vaccine. According to CDC recommendations, almost everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year by the end of October.
Resources:
IDPH Vaccine Administration Data Tracker
The Flu in Adults 65 & Older – CDC
Photo Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
