NORWALK, CT – August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This month, the Health Department joins the US Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) and other health officials to celebrate the benefits of vaccines and remind people of all ages to make sure they are up to date with all recommended
immunizations.
COVID-19 illness is still very much with us. The good news is that COVID-19 vaccinations are available for anyone 6 months of age and older and can be given at the same time as other important immunizations. The Health Department urges residents to stay up with their COVID vaccines, which includes boosters if eligible.
Routine vaccinations are also extremely important. NHD realizes the pandemic impacted all aspects of life for Norwalk residents including their ability to attend important appointments and receive routine vaccinations. Well, now is the time to get your check-up! With school starting soon, check now to make sure the kids are up to date on their vaccines and have gotten a school physical if they are due.
As highlighted during NIAM, people of all ages benefit from vaccines:
• pregnant women, who can protect themselves and pass protection on to their babies;
• babies and young children, because a healthy start begins with on-time vaccination;
• school-aged children, who need back-to-school vaccines;
• preteens and teens, who can ensure a healthy future with vaccines; and
• adults, because vaccines are not just for kids.
During NIAM and throughout the year, the Health Department’s Immunization Action Plan (IAP) Program works with families, health care providers, and the community to
ensure that area children, teens, and adults receive age-appropriate vaccines.
The IAP Program is running its popular campaign to promote three highly recommended vaccines for adolescents. The Win/Win/Win with the BIG 3 initiative encourages pre-teens and teens to discuss the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine and two vaccines to prevent meningitis (Men ACWY and Men B) with their healthcare providers. When they have a discussion with their doctors, they can be entered in a raffle to win an iPad®.
“These diseases are very serious and can lead to long term illness, disability and death”, says Pam Bates, IAP Coordinator. “We want to make sure adolescents and their parents discuss the importance of these vaccines and the recommended schedule of administration that offers best protection with their medical providers”.
For more information about the Health Department’s services for those seeking vaccines, visit www.norwalkhealth.com.
