August 4, 2016

August Designated as National Immunization Awareness Month

Don’t delay get your back to school shots today.

Contact:Tiffani McDaniel
Media Desk: 407-665-3374 (office) and 321-200-7805 (cell)

Sanford, Fla.– National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. NIAM was established to encourage people of all ages to make sure they are up to date on the vaccines recommended for them. Communities have continued to use the month each year to raise awareness about the important role vaccines play in preventing serious, sometimes deadly, diseases. NIAM is sponsored by the National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC). 

“Vaccination is one of the best ways parents can protect infants, children and teens from potentially harmful diseases,” said Dr. Swannie Jett, Health Officer for DOH-Seminole. “Vaccine-preventable diseases can be very serious, may require hospitalization, or even be deadly - especially in infants and young children.”

Each week of NIAM 2016 focuses on a different stage of the lifespan:

• Adults (Aug. 1-7)
• Pregnant women (Aug. 8-14)
• Babies and young children (Aug. 15-21)
• Preteens and teens (Aug. 22-28)

Since the new school year starts on August 10, DOH-Seminole would like to remind parents to add immunizations to their child’s back to school to-do list.

"State law requires up to date vaccines for school entry," said Sarah Wright, Director of Nursing for DOH-Seminole. "If parents haven’t done so already, now is the perfect time to make sure their children’s vaccinations are up to date. We want parents to be aware of the importance of having their children vaccinated on time.”

The Immunization Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sanford Health Office, located on 400 West Airport Boulevard. Services are provided by appointment only and same day availability. Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to receive immunizations. Please be sure to bring your identification, child’s shot records, Medicaid HMO insurance, and cash payment.

Please call the Immunization Clinic at 407-665-3260 for more information or call
407-665-3370 to schedule an appointment.

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