Every August, National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) reminds us of the importance of staying up to date on vaccinations. Whether you’re a parent preparing your child for the school year, a young adult heading to college, or simply prioritizing your own preventive care, NIAM is a timely call to action in all life stages. With the continued threat of infectious disease outbreaks such as measles, new COVID-19 variants, and the seasonal flu, staying current on vaccines is more important now than ever before.
This year, NIAM 2025 is guided by a key theme promoted by Voices for Vaccines: “Community Immunity Starts With You.” It serves as a reminder that vaccines are not only a personal health decision, they’re a commitment to the health of everyone around us. When we get vaccinated, we protect ourselves and the most vulnerable in our communities, including newborns, immunocompromised individuals, and elderly adults.
Key Adolescent Vaccine Spotlight: HPV, Tdap, Meningococcal and Influenza
In all life stages, it is important to be up to date on vaccinations. In the adolescence stage in particular, there is a crucial window for receiving vaccines that protect against serious diseases. This NIAM, we highlight four vaccines that are especially important in adolescence:
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine
Recommended starting at ages 11–12, the HPV vaccine prevents several cancers, including cervical, anal, and penile cancers. It’s a powerful cancer prevention tool backed by years of safety and effectiveness data.
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) Vaccine
Given at age 11–12, Tdap protects against three serious diseases, including whooping cough, which can be especially dangerous for individuals with compromised immune systems.
- Meningococcal Vaccines (ACWY and B)
Meningococcal disease can progress quickly and seriously. The CDC recommends the MenACWY vaccine at age 11–12 with a booster at 16, and the MenB vaccine may be given based on individual risk.
- Influenza (Flu)
The flu vaccine is recommended every year and helps reduce illness, especially in school settings, hospitals, or nursing homes where viruses can spread easily.
Vaccine Work: A History of Success
NIAM is a great time to reflect and celebrate the history and success of vaccines. We know that vaccines work, and they work extremely well. In fact, they have transformed public health! Consider just a few examples:
- Smallpox, once a devastating disease that killed millions annually, was officially eradicated in 1980 thanks to a global vaccination campaign led by the World Health Organization. It remains the only human disease ever eradicated.
- Polio, which caused widespread paralysis and fear during much of the 20th century, was eliminated in the United States by 1979. This was achieved through persistent national immunization programs. While polio remains endemic in a few countries, the world is closer than ever to eradicating it completely.
- Measles saw a dramatic decline in cases after the introduction of the measles vaccine in the 1960s. In areas with high vaccination rates, outbreaks are rare. However, the disease has resurged in recent years in communities where vaccination coverage has declined, underscoring the importance of sustained vaccine uptake to maintain herd immunity.
These victories show what is possible when communities embrace immunization as a shared responsibility.
For Healthcare Professionals
All members of a healthcare practice have a vital role to play during National Immunization Awareness Month. This is an ideal time to engage in continuing education, training and resources to foster a welcoming environment where patients and families feel comfortable asking vaccine-related questions. Use strategies to encourage vaccine confidence and ensure immunization schedules are easy to access, such as by posting them on your practice website. Digital tools like the PneumoRecs VaxAdvisor Mobile App can support personalized vaccine recommendations. Most importantly, stay current on and clearly communicate the latest guidance, including recommendations for COVID-19, RSV, and seasonal flu vaccines.
What You Can Do This August?
For patients who support vaccine promotion causes, there are simple but impactful ways to take part in NIAM and support vaccine awareness:
- Schedule a check-up or back-to-school doctor visit to review your child’s vaccine record. You can learn about the steps of accessing your vaccination records by looking at this blog post titled “How Do I Find My Vaccination Records?”.
- Talk to your community: Share accurate, trusted vaccine information with friends, family, and neighbors. Teens are encouraged to apply for Unity’s Teen Advisory Council (TAC) to continue having thoughtful and meaningful conversations regarding adolescent vaccination. Moms are welcome to apply for Unity’s Mom Advisory Council (MAC) to share their knowledge about vaccines and identify the best methods for communication to children and other family members.
- Read and share updates from reliable sources such as the AAP, AAFP, and ACOG. You can also follow Unity Consortium on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
Immunization is a Community Responsibility
This National Immunization Awareness Month, let’s commit to protecting each other. We can stop the spread of disease and keep our communities thriving by choosing to get vaccinated for preventable illnesses and safeguarding those who cannot get vaccinated due to immunocompromised status, age, or other factors.
