August is National Immunization Awareness Month
August 1, 2025
Protect Your Health. Protect Your Community.
As summer winds down and the back-to-school season begins, August is the perfect time to highlight a powerful tool that keeps our communities healthy: vaccines. National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is a time to remind everyone that immunizations aren’t just for kids—they’re important for people of all ages.
Vaccines have helped eliminate or control dangerous diseases like polio, measles, and whooping cough. Staying up to date on immunizations is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself, your family, and those around you—especially the most vulnerable.
Why Vaccines Matter at Every Stage of Life
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Babies and Young Children need protection early, when their immune systems are still developing.
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Pre-teens and Teens benefit from vaccines that protect against HPV, meningitis, and more.
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Pregnant People can pass protection on to their babies before birth.
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Adults and Seniors need vaccines too—protection can wear off, and new vaccines are available for illnesses like shingles, pneumonia, and RSV.
What You Can Do This August
Check Your Immunization Status
Not sure if you’re up to date? The CDC offers vaccine information for adults, and parents can review the recommended childhood vaccine schedule.
In Massachusetts, you can view your vaccination history online at MyVaxRecords.mass.gov.
Talk to Your Doctor or Pediatrician
Your healthcare provider can answer questions and help you understand which vaccines you or your child may need. If you’re pregnant or planning to be, ask what vaccines are recommended during pregnancy to protect you and your baby.
- More information on Pregnancy and Vaccination from the CDC
Spread the Word
Many people skip vaccines because of misinformation or simply being unaware they’re due for a booster. Share this post, encourage friends and family to check their status, and use resources from trusted sources like:
Back-to-School? Check Vaccine Requirements
In Massachusetts, students in preschool through college need to meet certain vaccination requirements to attend school. Now’s the time to review your child’s records and schedule any needed appointments. You can learn more at: Massachusetts School Immunization Requirements
Final Thought
Vaccines protect more than just one person—they protect whole communities. When more people are vaccinated, we help prevent outbreaks and protect those who can’t be vaccinated due to age or medical reasons.
Let’s make this August a month of prevention, protection, and public health. Check your records, talk to your doctor, and share the message: vaccines save lives.