National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of staying up to date on recommended vaccines. Immunizations are one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent serious illnesses, reduce the spread of infectious diseases, and protect those who are most vulnerable in our communities.

Vaccines aren't just for children—they're important throughout every stage of life. From
newborns receiving their first immunizations to older adults protecting themselves against illnesses like influenza, pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19, staying current on vaccinations is an important part of maintaining good health.

Immunizations Across Every Stage of Life

Vaccines help protect against diseases that can lead to serious complications,
hospitalization, and even death. Recommended immunizations vary by age, lifestyle,
occupation, travel plans, and certain medical conditions.

You should talk with your healthcare provider about recommended vaccines if you are:

• A parent of a newborn or young child
• Preparing your child for daycare or school
• A teenager heading to college
• An adult who hasn't received recommended booster shots
• Pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Age 65 or older
• Living with a chronic medical condition

Your primary care provider can review your immunization history and help determine which vaccines are appropriate for you and your family.

Convenient Care Close to Home

At Perry County Memorial Hospital, our family medicine providers are committed to
helping patients of all ages stay healthy through preventive care, including routine
immunizations and wellness visits.

Our clinics offer comprehensive primary care services including:

• Routine childhood immunizations
• Annual wellness exams
• School and sports physicals
• Adult preventive care
• Chronic disease management
• Women's health services
• Pediatric care
• Same-day appointments for many healthcare needs

Our primary care locations include:

• Tell City Clinic
• Leopold Clinic
• Hawesville Clinic
• 13th Street Clinic
• Spencer County Clinic

In addition to primary care, Perry County Memorial Hospital offers specialty services
throughout our outpatient clinics, including Women's Health, Dermatology, Pulmonology, Sleep Medicine, Orthopedics, Bone Health, Wound Care, Pain Management, Pediatrics, and many other specialty services—all working together to help keep our community healthy.

Preparing for the School Year

As students prepare to head back to the classroom, August is the perfect time to ensure
required school immunizations are complete. Scheduling appointments before school
begins helps families avoid last-minute stress and ensures children are ready for a healthy school year.

If you're unsure whether your child is current on required vaccines, our healthcare
providers can review immunization records and answer any questions you may have.

Keep Your Family Protected

Whether you're scheduling your child's annual checkup, updating your own vaccinations, or simply have questions about recommended immunizations, the providers at Perry County Memorial Hospital are here to help. Preventive care starts with simple steps, and staying up to date on immunizations is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself, your loved ones, and our community.

This National Immunization Awareness Month, take a few minutes to review your family's vaccination status and schedule an appointment with your primary care provider if you're due for recommended immunizations.

Healthy communities begin with prevention—and prevention begins with you.