MONROE — August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This annual observance highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines. During NIAM, Green County Public Health encourages community members to talk to their doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider to ensure they are protected against serious diseases by getting caught up on routine vaccinations.
As children head back to school this fall, it’s particularly important to make sure they get caught up on missed well-child visits and recommended vaccines. Vaccines help protect kids against illnesses that could make them miss out on important school events, sports, or family gatherings. Parents can check with their child’s healthcare provider about what vaccines their children need and when.
Adults also need vaccines to protect against whooping cough, flu, pneumonia, shingles, and other diseases. Vaccination recommendations can change over time, making it important for adults to make sure they are up to date on recommended vaccines. For example, recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that all adults ages 19-59 years old should now receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. Additionally, depending on a person’s career, lifestyle, health conditions, or travel plans, they may need different vaccines. Adults should talk with their healthcare provider about vaccinations they may need.
Community members can learn more about vaccine schedules and recommended vaccinations on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/index.html. People can also check their vaccination records on the Wisconsin Immunization Registry: https://www.dhfswir.org. This registry will show individuals which vaccines they have received, when the vaccines were administered, and what vaccines they are due for.
Green County Public Health offers several adult and childhood immunizations. Certain vaccines require individuals to meet eligibility requirements to receive the vaccine at our department. To learn about eligibility or schedule an appointment to get vaccinated, call Green County Public Health at 608-328-9390. Many vaccines are also available through local healthcare providers and pharmacies.
This fall is also a good time for people to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19. Everyone six months of age and older should get their annual flu shot in August, September, or October. Additionally, everyone six months of age and older should get vaccinated against COVID-19. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recommended an updated COVID-19 vaccine which will be available later this fall. Green County Public Health will notify the community when this vaccine is available. To find a vaccine provider for the COVID-19 vaccine or the flu vaccine, go to vaccines.gov.
Visit the Green County Public Health website and Facebook page for more health information and updates from the department.