August is National Immunization Awareness Month
by Phillips Clinic on 07/30/26
National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual observance held every August to highlight the importance of routine vaccinations for people of all ages. The month-long campaign is a time to review their vaccine records, catch up on missed well-child visits, and ensure protection against serious diseases across the lifespan.
The primary focus areas for NIAM include:
• Infants and Children: Ensuring children are up to date on routine immunizations like DTaP, MMR, and polio before heading back to school.
• Preteens and Teens: Highlighting vaccines that protect against diseases like HPV and meningitis.
• Adults: Reminding adults that they need booster shots (such as Tdap) and season-specific immunizations.
• Seniors: Promoting vaccines that protect against shingles, RSV, and pneumococcal disease
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides updated CDC Recommended Immunization Schedules to help you and your healthcare provider determine which vaccines are appropriate based on your age and health conditions.
Current federal guidelines recommend universal vaccination for 11 core childhood diseases, though major professional medical organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics advocate for a broader schedule.
Universally Recommended Vaccines
Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (DTaP/Tdap)
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)Polio
Varicella (chickenpox)
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)Pneumococcal disease
Human papillomavirus (HPV) — reduced to 1 dose in updated federal guidance.
Targeted and Shared Decision-Making Vaccines
High-risk groups only: RSV, dengue, and specific guidance for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and meningococcal vaccines.
Shared clinical decision-making: Flu, COVID-19, and rotavirus vaccines depend on individual discussions between parents and healthcare providers under current federal policy, though traditional pediatric bodies continue recommending broader coverage.
Local state guidelines (such as California public health recommendations) may also align closer to traditional pediatric standards.
Routine adult immunizations include annual flu shots, Tdap/Td boosters every 10 years, and the COVID-19 vaccine. Review the complete guidance on the CDC Recommended Vaccinations for Adults
Annual and Routine Vaccines
Influenza (Flu): Get 1 dose every year before the flu season starts to lower your risk of severe illness.
COVID-19: Get at least 1 updated dose, with older adults (65 and older) recommended to receive at least 2 doses of the current formula.
Tdap or Td: Get a tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis booster every 10 years. Pregnant individuals need one Tdap dose during each pregnancy.
Age-Specific and Risk-Based Vaccines
Shingles (Shingrix): Recommended as a 2-dose series for healthy adults starting at age 50.
Pneumococcal: Recommended for adults aged 50 and older (updated from age 65) to prevent serious bacterial lung infections.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): Recommended for adults aged 75 and older, and for those aged 50 to 74 with higher risk factors.
Hepatitis B: Recommended for all adults through age 59 who have not been vaccinated yet, and for older adults with specific risk factors.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Recommended through age 26, and shared clinical decision-making for some adults aged 27 through 4
