August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM).

The goal of NIAM is to increase awareness about 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. Parents are enrolling their children in school, students are entering college, and healthcare workers are preparing for the upcoming flu season.

Why are immunizations important?

Immunization is one of the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century. Vaccines have eradicated smallpox, eliminated wild poliovirus in the United States and significantly reduced the number of cases of measles, diphtheria, rubella, pertussis and other diseases. But despite these efforts, people in the U.S. still die from these and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Vaccines offer safe and effective protection from infectious diseases. By staying up-to-date on the recommended vaccines, individuals can protect themselves, their families and friends and communities from serious, life-threatening infections.

When are immunizations given?

Because children are particularly vulnerable to infection, most vaccines are given during the first five to six years of life. Other immunizations are recommended during adolescent or adult years and, for certain vaccines, booster immunizations are recommended throughout life.

Care Vans will participate in several Back-to-School events, providing childhood immunizations, teaching nutrition facts and/or promoting healthy living. To see a schedule of clinics or event dates in your community, visit http://www.carevan.org/neighborhood.htm and click on the van in your area.

Be sure to look for our booth/van at the following Back-to-School community events in August:

Mayor's Back-to-School Fair Park - Dallas
Irving Mall Back-to-School – Irving
Red Shoes for Kids - Rockwall
First Methodist Church Event – Plano
Fellowship of Nations Church or Spring Branch Center – Houston
Kohl's New Braunfels Event – surrounding Austin area
Project Back-to-School – Wichita Falls
Medical Care Mission – Abilene