Although Americans typically receive the majority of their immunizations as children, vaccines protect citizens of all ages. The health care and services provided at Kona Community Hospital in Kealakekua, HI, include educating patients on the importance of immunizations. If you’re planning on starting a family someday, it’s never too early to read up on the lifesaving benefits of vaccinating your children.

National Immunization Awareness Month

According to the CDC, August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). Its purpose is to remind Americans on the importance of immunizations for both children and adults. It’s easy to lose track of your current vaccinations, but NIAM reminds individuals to check their medical history and see if they’re overdue for any required or recommended vaccines.

The National Public Health Information Coalition sponsors NIAM because they want to remind individuals that immunizations are important for preventing dangerous diseases. Each week of NIAM focuses on a different stage of development. These stages are adults, pregnant women, young children and babies, and teens and preteens.

At Kona Community Hospital, they support NIAM and want to provide their patients with more than just health care and services — they want to provide them with the knowledge needed to protect themselves, their families, and society as a whole. When individuals get vaccinated, they are contributing to the eradication of certain diseases, which will have positive repercussions for generations to come.

Do your part during NIAM by reviewing your own medical records and those of your family members. If it turns out you’re due for a vaccine, schedule an appointment with your physician. Don’t forget to review your pets’ vaccination records, too — they benefit from immunizations just as much as humans!

If you want to learn more about the health care and services that Kona Community Hospital provides, visit their website. You can also follow them on Facebook to stay up-to-date on the latest community medical news.