August Is International Immunization Month

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Posted: Aug 21st, 2025 at 12:00AM - by Ashlee Arnold/Vice President

August Is International Immunization Month: Here’s Why Vaccines Matter

August marks International Immunization Month, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about the critical role vaccines play in safeguarding public health. At e7 Health, we’re proud to support this initiative by offering a comprehensive range of vaccines for all stages of life—whether you're an individual, student, healthcare worker, or international traveler.

In a world still dealing with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing outbreaks of diseases like measles, influenza, and hepatitis, the message has never been clearer: vaccination is one of the most powerful tools in modern medicine.

The Purpose of International Immunization Month

International Immunization Month, also recognized in the U.S. as National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), is observed every August. Its goal is to:

• Highlight the importance of routine vaccinations
• Encourage individuals to catch up on missed vaccines
• Combat misinformation and vaccine hesitancy
• Celebrate the public health victories made possible by immunization

This month-long campaign is supported by health organizations across the globe, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Why Immunization Matters

1. Vaccines Save Lives

Vaccines are one of the greatest success stories in public health. According to the WHO, vaccines prevent 3.5 to 5 million deaths every year. Diseases that once ravaged populations—like polio, smallpox, and diphtheria—are now rare or eliminated in many countries due to routine immunization.

2. Protecting More Than Just Yourself

When you get vaccinated, you’re not just protecting your own health—you’re contributing to herd immunity, a form of indirect protection that benefits those who are unable to get vaccinated due to age, allergies, or compromised immune systems.

3. Preventing Future Outbreaks

Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases still occur when vaccination rates drop. Recent surges in measles, mumps, and pertussis (whooping cough) serve as reminders that these diseases can return quickly if we let our guard down.

4. Reducing Healthcare Costs

Preventing disease through vaccination is far more cost-effective than treating illness. Vaccines help reduce hospitalizations, lost productivity, and long-term complications that can burden families and healthcare systems.

Who Needs Vaccinations?

Infants and Children

Childhood vaccines are critical to protect against a wide range of diseases including:

• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• Chickenpox (varicella)
• Hepatitis A and B
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
• Pneumococcal disease
• Haemophilus Influenza B (HIB)
• Rotavirus
• Influenza (annually starting at 6 months)

At e7 Health, we offer all CDC-recommended childhood vaccines, administered in a safe, comfortable environment with digital record-keeping.

Adolescents

As children grow, booster doses and new vaccines become essential. Important immunizations for teens include:

• Meningococcal vaccines
• Tdap booster (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine
• Annual flu shots

Adults

Many adults are surprised to learn they are overdue for vaccinations. Key adult vaccines include:

• Influenza (yearly)
• Tdap (every 10 years)
• Shingles (50+)
• Pneumococcal (65+ or earlier with chronic conditions)
• Hepatitis A and B
• MMR (if not immune)
• Travel vaccines based on destination

e7 Health specializes in adult vaccinations and makes catching up easy with customized recommendations based on your medical history, age, and lifestyle.

Seniors

Older adults are especially vulnerable to complications from vaccine-preventable diseases. Keeping up with influenza, shingles, and pneumococcal vaccines is crucial. We also provide high-dose flu vaccines specifically designed for seniors’ immune systems.

Travelers

International travel often requires vaccines that aren’t part of routine immunization schedules, such as:

• Yellow fever
• Typhoid fever
• Japanese encephalitis
• Cholera
• Rabies
• Hepatitis A/B
• Malaria prevention (Rx)

At e7 Health, our travel clinics offer destination-specific vaccine advice, prescriptions, and documentation, all in one visit.

Common Myths About Vaccines—Debunked

"Vaccines cause the diseases they’re supposed to prevent."

False. Vaccines are made from inactivated or weakened pathogens, or from specific proteins. They stimulate immunity without causing disease.

"Healthy people don’t need vaccines."

Even the healthiest people can be exposed to contagious diseases. Immunity protects you before you're exposed—waiting until you're sick is too late.

"Vaccines have too many side effects."

The vast majority of vaccine side effects are mild and temporary (sore arm, slight fever). Severe reactions are extremely rare and are monitored by organizations like the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

"Natural immunity is better."

While infection may produce immunity, it often comes at a high cost—serious illness, hospitalization, or even death. Vaccines provide safe, controlled exposure without the risk of severe complications.

How e7 Health Supports Immunization Year-Round

At e7 Health, we are a preventive health and wellness company—not a primary care clinic. That means we specialize in vaccinations, lab testing, TB testing, physical exams, and travel medicine, offering faster, more focused care without the long waits of traditional clinics.

Here’s what sets our vaccine services apart:

• All vaccines in stock—no need for referrals or second visits
• Same-day or next-day appointments available
• Electronic vaccine records and reminders
• Custom vaccine plans for school, work, travel, or medical conditions
• One-stop visits—lab testing, prescriptions, and vaccinations in one place
• Expert staff trained in vaccine counseling and administration

Explore our services here: e7 Health Vaccine Services

What You Can Do This August

International Immunization Month is a call to action. Here's how you can participate:

Check Your Vaccine Records

Review your immunization history and ask your healthcare provider if you’re up to date.

Book an Appointment

Schedule a visit with e7 Health to get caught up on routine, occupational, or travel-related vaccines.

Share the Facts

Combat misinformation by sharing reputable vaccine resources from the CDC, WHO, and your local health department.

Encourage Others

Talk to friends, family, and coworkers about the importance of immunization. You could be the reason someone protects themselves.

Follow e7 Health on Social Media

We’ll be sharing facts, tips, and special content all month long to support this important cause.

Immunization is a simple act with profound impact. Whether you’re a parent, employer, student, or frequent flyer—vaccines protect your health, your family, and your community.

August is the perfect time to catch up, take action, and commit to prevention. At e7 Health, we make it easy, convenient, and personalized.

Because staying healthy shouldn’t be complicated.

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