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August: National Immunization Month
The Knox County Health Department joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month.

The goal of National Immunization Month is to stress the importance of receiving routine, up-to-date immunizations across the life span, from infants to the elderly.

"August is the perfect time to remind family, friends, co-workers, and those in the community to catch up on their vaccinations," states Mary Butcher, Communicable Disease Coordinator. "Parents are enrolling their children in school, students are entering college, and healthcare workers are preparing for the upcoming flu season."

Immunization is one of the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century. Vaccines offer safe and effective protection from infectious diseases. However, many parents lack confidence in the safety of vaccines. 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. Parents may also believe that the diseases that vaccines protect against are rare and not that serious.

Recommended vaccinations begin soon after birth and continue throughout life. Because children are particularly vulnerable to infection, most vaccines are given during the first five to six years of life.

"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," added Butcher. "If children, adolescents, or adults have missed any shots, consult with your healthcare provider or the Knox County Health Department about getting up-to-date."

The Knox County Health Department offers immunizations on a walk-in basis on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:00am to 3:45pm, or by appointment. For more information, contact the Knox County Health Department at 309-344-2224 or go to www.knoxcountyhealth.org

(Knox County Health Department)
08 07 09 by Newsroom
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