August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an annual observance focusing on the role vaccines play in public health. Decisions about vaccination are personal and often involve a range of considerations, including research, medical history, lifestyle, and guidance from healthcare professionals. Taking time to research and understand available information about vaccines can help individuals make choices that are right for them.
What is National Immunization Awareness Month?
National Immunization Awareness Month occurs annually in August. This observance was organized to raise awareness about recommended vaccinations throughout life. If you would like to learn more about the observance, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which offers various educational resources on vaccines, communication strategies for discussing vaccines, and tools to help make vaccination more accessible.
Vaccines: Explanation & History
A vaccine is a biological preparation designed to train the immune system to recognize and fight germs like viruses or bacteria and build active immunity against a specific illness.
Known vaccine research and development dates back to at least the 15th century when people in different parts of the world attempted to prevent illness by intentionally exposing healthy people to smallpox. However, some sources suggest these practices took place as early as 200 BCE.
Here is a brief history of the evolution of immunizations:
- Pre-1700s: An early form of immunization called variolation was practiced in parts of Asia and other countries using material from smallpox sores to affect disease severity.
- 1796: Edward Jenner developed the first vaccine for smallpox using cowpox material, establishing the concept of vaccination.
- 1800s: Vaccination practices expanded with Louis Pasteur developing one for rabies.
- Early 1900s: Vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis were developed.
- Mid-1900s: Polio vaccines were developed in combination with large-scale immunization programs.
- Late 1900s: Combination vaccines (ex: MMR for measles, mumps, rubella) and vaccines for hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) emerged.
- 2000s: Vaccines for diseases like HPV and newer formulations for influenza expanded, and research into genetic and recombinant technologies increased.
- 2020s: mRNA vaccines were deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recommended Vaccines By Age
While many people associate vaccinations with early childhood, there are recommended vaccines for every stage of life. The following guide outlines vaccines by age group, as currently recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (CDC: 2026 data)
Vaccines for Infants and Young Children
- TdaP: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis
- MMR: measles, mumps, and rubella
- Polio: polio
- Varicella: chicken pox
- Hib: Hib disease, a Haemophilus influenzae bacterium
- Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B
- PCV: pneumococcal disease or any illness caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including pneumonia and meningitis
Vaccines for School-age Children and Teens
- HPV: Human papillomavirus
- Meningococcal: meningitis and bloodstream infections
- TdaP Booster: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (extended coverage)
- Annual Flu Shot: seasonal flu
Vaccines During Pregnancy
- TdaP (each pregnancy): tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis
- Flu Shot: seasonal flu
Vaccines for Adults
- Flu Shot (annually): seasonal flu
- COVID-19 Boosters: COVID-19
- Shingles at 50+: possible reactivation of the chickenpox virus
- Pneumococcal at 50+: Pneumococcal bacterial infections
- TdaP Booster (every 10 years): tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis
- RSV (75+): Respiratory syncytial virus
How to Stay Up to Date On Immunizations
If you choose to vaccinate your child, we recommend discussing age-recommended vaccinations with your pediatrician. Like other healthy habits for children, well-child visits are recommended once a year, and they are a great opportunity to discuss immunizations and ask questions to help you make an informed decision.
As a leading nationwide provider of pediatric home health services, KidsCare Home Health is dedicated to supporting children with disabilities and their families through compassionate speech, physical, and occupational therapy, as well as private duty nursing in select states. We offer services nationwide and welcome the opportunity to work with families in the comfort of their own homes. By delivering care in the comfort of our patients’ homes, we strive to help every child live their best possible life and give families the support they need along the way.
