National Immunization Awareness Month: Vaccines Offer Protection at Every Age
8/21/2026
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Posted by Dr. Sharon McLaughlin, Fidelis Care Senior Medical Director
in
Children's Health,
Health and Wellness,
Immunizations
August is National Immunization Awareness Month. It’s a time to highlight the important role vaccines play in protecting individuals, families, and communities. Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent serious diseases and reduce their spread.
Childhood immunizations protect against serious diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, Hepatitis A and B, and more. These vaccines help children stay healthy and provide protection as they grow into adulthood. The American Academy of Pediatrics has a recommended schedule that you can view here.
Vaccinations are not just for children. Staying up to date with recommended vaccines is also important for adults. National Immunization Awareness Month serves as a reminder to check your vaccine status and talk with your doctor about any vaccinations you may need.
According to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), most adults should stay current on these routine vaccines:
- COVID-19 vaccine
- Flu vaccine (influenza)
- Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough) or Td vaccine (tetanus and diphtheria)
You may need additional vaccines based on your age, health conditions, lifestyle, occupation, or travel plans. It is also a good idea to talk with your doctor if you are unsure whether you received recommended childhood vaccines, such as the varicella vaccine, which helps prevent chickenpox, or the HPV vaccine, which protects against human papillomavirus.
Depending on your age and where you grew up, some vaccines may not have been routinely available when you were younger. Even if you did not receive a vaccine as a child, you may still be at risk for diseases that can lead to serious health complications, missed work, and challenges caring for loved ones. Some vaccine-preventable diseases can be especially severe in adulthood.
Visit fideliscare.org/immunizations for a complete list of childhood and adolescent vaccines.
Older adults also benefit from vaccines because our immune systems naturally weaken with age, increasing the risk of infection. Important vaccines for older adults include:
- Shingles vaccine (zoster): Recommended beginning at age 50 to help prevent shingles and its most common complication, post-herpetic neuralgia.
- Pneumococcal vaccine: Recommended for adults age 65 and older and for certain individuals with specific medical conditions. It helps protect against infections including pneumonia.
This National Immunization Awareness Month, take a few minutes to review your vaccination record and schedule any recommended vaccines. Staying up to date on vaccines helps protect you and the people around you.