By: Ashley Owle, BSN, RN, Tribal Option Care Manager
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, making it
the perfect time to ensure children are up to date on their
recommended vaccines before heading back to school.
Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to
protect children from serious diseases while also helping keep
our schools and communities healthy.
As children return to classrooms, they spend more time in
close contact with classmates, teachers, and staff. This
increases the opportunity for illnesses to spread. Staying
current on recommended immunizations helps protect
against disease such as measles, whooping cough
(pertussis), polio, meningitis and chickenpox. These illnesses
can lead to serious complications, missed school days, and
hospitalization.
Vaccines aren’t just protection for the person receiving them
—they also help protect infants, older adults, and individuals
with weakened immune systems who may be more
vulnerable to severe illness. When enough people are
vaccinated, it helps reduce the spread of disease throughout
the community. Per the NCDHHS, “Vaccine-preventable
diseases, such as meningitis, measles, pertussis (whooping
cough) and others, are still seen across North Carolina. lready
in 2025, the U.S. has had more cases of measles reported than
at any time in more than 30 years, and in North Carolina more
cases of whooping cough have been reported than any time
in the past 70 years.”
Immunizations are important throughout every stage of life.
Adolescents, adults, pregnant individuals, and older adults all
have recommended vaccines that help protect against
illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, shingles, pneumonia,
RSV, and tetanus. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to
schedule a well-child visit with the child’s primary care
provider on a yearly basis. During the visit, your child’s
healthcare provider will review their immunization record,
ensure they meet North Carolina school requirements, and
discuss any recommended vaccines based on their age. This
also includes seasonal vaccines such as the influenza vaccine
which is recommended for everyone six months and older
excluding those with rare exceptions.
If you are unsure whether you or your child are up to date on
recommended vaccines, talk with your healthcare provider or
pharmacist. Staying informed and current on immunizations is
a simple step that helps protect your health, your family, and
your community. For more information about recommended
immunizations, visit the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) OR THE North Carolina Department of Health
and Human Services (NCDHHS).
