Vaccination is important, because it not only protects the person receiving the vaccine, but also helps prevent the spread of disease, especially to those that are most vulnerable to serious complications such as infants, young children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions and weakened immune systems.

atom Alliance encourages healthcare providers to use a new National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) toolkit to design local promotions to reach people with Medicare and their families.

NIAM is observed annually in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. It was established to encourage people to make sure they are up to date on the vaccines recommended for them. Communities use the month each year to raise awareness about the important role vaccines play in preventing serious, sometimes deadly, diseases. NIAM is sponsored by the National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC).

All adults should get vaccines to protect their health. Even healthy adults can become seriously ill, and can pass certain illnesses on to others. Everyone should have their vaccination needs assessed at their doctor’s office, pharmacy or other visits with healthcare providers. Certain vaccines are recommended based on a person’s age, occupation or health conditions [such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes or heart disease],vaccinations they have already received or other considerations.

All adults, including pregnant women, should get the influenza (flu) vaccine each year to protect against seasonal flu. Adults age 60 and older are recommended to receive the shingles vaccine. Adults age 65 and older are recommended to receive one or more pneumococcal vaccines. Some adults younger than 65 years with certain high-risk conditions are also recommended to receive one or more pneumococcal vaccinations.

The 2016 edition of the toolkit contains key messages, vaccine information, sample news releases and articles, sample social media messages, links to web resources from CDC and other organizations, and logos, web banners, posters and graphics to use with social media. It also includes a media outreach toolkit and a place for you to share your NIAM activities and view what other are doing for NIAM. (#NIAM16) For more information about the toolkit, contact [email protected] at NIAM.

atom Alliance provides immunization technical assistance in Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky and Mississippi. For more information or to contact a Quality Improvement Advisor in your state go here.