National Immunization Awareness Month

What does August remind you of? For me is back to school month, as we all wind down from the summer vacation, traveling with family and friends before heading back to school. Before getting ready for school, it is also important to be vaccinated before returning to school. National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. During this month, use this as an opportunity to get yourself and your family vaccinated before the fall.  

Make Sure Vaccine Records Up to Date

It is important to keep your vaccine records up to date, so that when you do need to request it, you would not need to spend more time getting your missed or updated vaccines. If you need proof of immunization, the best place to start is by contacting the clinic, doctor, or healthcare provider administered the vaccination. If your provider has the record on file, this will be the fastest way of obtaining your records. (Texas Department of State Health and Human Services)

If you need proof of immunization for your child, contact the last school that was attended. Schools are required to keep records for a minimum number of years. 

Adult Need Vaccines Too!

Vaccination is important for everyone because it protects the person receiving the vaccine and helps prevent the spread of disease, especially to those who are most vulnerable to serious complications (such as infants and young children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions and weakened immune systems). All adults, including pregnant women, should get the influenza (flu) vaccine each year to protect against seasonal flu. (National Immunization Awareness Month)

At times, there may be other vaccines that are needed for adults, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and HPV) depending on their age, occupation, travel, medical conditions, vaccinations they have already received, or other consideration. Not sure what vaccines you need? Check out this link with the quiz: CDC: What Vaccines Do You and Your Family Need?

There are many other resources on immunization, check out some of these resources to help get you and your family started.

• Recognizing National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) (CDC)
• National Immunization Awareness Month (National Public Health Information Coalition)
• National Immunization Awareness Month (Vaccines.gov)

How are You Encouraging Your Family and Friends Get Vaccinated?

Summer Safety: Water and Fire Safety

Summer is here! With many family members taking time off, visiting friends and family across the county and possibly abroad. Some would be attending various festivals and events many with fireworks especially this month, it is important to remember while we are having fun, safety is #1 key.

Water Safety

Importance of water safety can’t be overstated, drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 2, but  anyone can be at risk. In 2013, 3,391 people over all age groups have drowned. (NSC Safety in and Out of the Water, 2017)

Water safety should be practiced with adults, knowing how to perform all following tips under our belts can save our as well as another’s life. According to an American Red Cross survey, only 56% of adults say they swim are able to perform five critical water-safety skills that could save their lives. Some of these include:

• Floating or treading water for one minute without a flotation device
• Stepping or jumping into water over your head and returning to the surface
• Exiting a pool without using a ladder 
• Swimming 25 yards without stopping (NSC Safety in and Out of the Water, 2017)

Fire Safety

The National Safety Council advises everyone to stay away from all consumer fireworks and to only enjoy fireworks at a public display conducted by seasoned professionals. In 2015, 11 people died and about 11,500 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (Best to Leave Fireworks to the Experts)
There are some fireworks that are legal for consumers to purchase and use, but not necessarily legal. It is highly advised for everyone to only enjoy fireworks at a public display conducted by seasoned professionals. Check out this video by the NFPA.

Summer is a wonderful time to spend with family and friends outside, and outdoor activities are a great way to be active and stay in shape. Make sure you don't put an end to the fun because of a preventable injury.

Remember to report any issues of unsafe playgrounds to the owner or park district as necessary. Children under 6 yrs old should be supervised at all times by an adult. (Like to Play Outside? NSC Shares Some Tips for Staying Safe)

How are You Staying Safe This Summer?