STC Blog
National Immunization Awareness Month – Education is Key to Saving LivesJanet Balog, RN, BS – Senior Public Health Specialist and Project Manager
August is National Immunization Awareness month. Immunizations save lives. Indisputable research has proven that immunizations are the most cost-effective health care dollar spent and yet people of all ages continue to be under-immunized. This is particularly true for the age 65+ population. The immunization coverage rates of African American and Hispanic populations continue to be significantly lower than the national average across all ages.
During the month of August we officially raise awareness about the value of immunizations to our citizens, but the need for ongoing education and dispelling myths about immunizations is ongoing work. An immunization information system (IIS) collects immunization data but it is what we do with the data that changes immunization rates. Again research shows that ongoing, targeted reminder / recall efforts positively impact immunization rates. Many Electronic Health Record systems are also offering some reminder/recall functionality but none are as robust as what an IIS offers.
During this month we issue a challenge to IIS system staff and users to take a fresh look at your reminder / recall capabilities and how you might raise awareness about how easy they are to use and how they can positively impact immunization coverage. When asked, most people relate that they just forget that immunizations are due or past due or they need education about particular vaccines. In the end, immunizing our population on time and according to the recommended schedules keeps us all safer and our communities better places to live.
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