Most years, August is when many families hit reset and start getting ready for the second “new year” — the first day of school. While school looks different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, August is still a good time to get the entire family — including grandparents — up-to-date on vaccines.

Adults Need Vaccines, Too

National Immunization Awareness Month is observed every August to highlight the importance of vaccines for people of all ages. Some immunizations, such as Polio, last for life, while others, like Tetanus, need booster shots as we age. Staying on top of vaccines as we get older is important not just for our own health, but those we love as well.

While the list of routine immunizations goes down as we age, some seniors may actually need vaccines typically given in childhood because they weren’t available when Grandma and Grandpa were young. Common “catch-up” vaccines include Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) and Varicella (Chicken Pox), while booster immunizations might be needed for Hepatitis A and B, as well as Meningitis. 

The CDC has a recommended vaccine schedule for both adults and children. They also have an interactive adult vaccine assessment tool to help give you an idea of which vaccines to ask your doctor about. If you’re unsure if you or a loved one has been vaccinated for something particular, a primary care physician can always run bloodwork to check for antibodies. 

Why Immunity Matters

Immunizations do two things — protect us directly and assist with protecting those around us. According to Harvard Medical School, “Herd immunity occurs when enough people become immune to a disease to make its spread unlikely. As a result, the entire community is protected, even those who are not themselves immune.”

Herd immunity is what makes it safe for us to visit newborn family members, and the reason outbreaks of highly contagious diseases like Polio and Measles are few and far between. By staying up-to-date on our immunizations, we make the world safer for those with developing, weak, and compromised immune systems — people like babies, seniors, cancer survivors, and transplant recipients.

Don’t Forget Your Annual Flu Vaccine

Add “get flu shot” to your to-do list now for September/early October. While August is still a bit too early for a flu shot, even in 2020, by mid-Fall the entire family should be vaccinated for optimal protection as flu season kicks into high gear. If you typically get your flu shot at work or school, keep in mind that may not be an option this year so be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist about where to go.