---
title: It’s Back to School and National Immunization Awareness Month
url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/its-back-to-school-and-national-immunization-awareness-month/"
type: post
date_published: 2014-08-01
date_modified: 2025-12-26
schema:
  @type: Article
language: en-US
word_count: 685
reading_time: 4 min
canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/its-back-to-school-and-national-immunization-awareness-month/"
categories:
  - "Health & Wellness"
topic:
  - Healthcare
---

# It’s Back to School and National Immunization Awareness Month

With summer break coming to an end, most children will be back to school
beginning in August. This is a perfect time to reiterate the importance of
vaccinations with August being National Immunization Awareness Month. The
[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/) (CDC) has
dedicated the month of August to educate the public and stress the importance of
maintaining an immunization schedule proposed by the CDC. Activities focus on
encouraging all people to protect their health by being immunized against
infectious diseases.

With the invention and constant evolution of vaccinations, many of the diseases
that were common in century’s prior, such as small pox and polio, have been
virtually eliminated from the U.S. population. However, with constant population
increase and the invention of air travel, it is important to reduce exposure to
other existing diseases that might not be prominent in the U.S., as well as
other common diseases that still remain active in our country by receiving the
appropriate immunizations on schedule. The month of August includes weekly
immunization observances by the Nation Public Health Information Coalition
(NPHIC).

- **A Healthy Start**-August 3^(rd)-9^(th), 2014 is
  [A Healthy Start Week](http://www.nphic.org/niam-healthystart). Protect the
  pregnant mother by ensuring all her immunizations are up to date.   For babies
  (birth to 2 years old) vaccines also give protection from 14 serious diseases
  such as the flu, measles and whooping cough that can be life threatening for
  newborns and young babies/toddlers. Keeping your child on the proper
  immunization schedule during these first 2 years is imperative. Speak to your
  OB/GYN or Pediatrician if you have any questions.
- **Back to School**-August 10^(th)-16^(th) is
  [Back to School Week](http://www.nphic.org/niam-children). Preparing for Back
  to School should consist of more tasks than purchasing clothing and
  supplies…it should also include ensuring your child is up to date with their
  immunization schedule for their age. Schools are highly susceptible to
  infection disease outbreaks due to poor hand washing and highly populated
  classrooms. Most schools will inform parents if their child needs an updated
  proof of immunization.
- **Off to the Future**-August 17^(th)-23^(rd) is
  [Off to the Future Week](http://www.nphic.org/niam-offtothefuture).
  Immunizations are not only for young children, but are also important to
  maintain throughout the adult life to stay healthy. Immunity from childhood
  vaccinations wears off over time. Students who are going off to college to
  college may need to update their vaccinations to ensure they are not
  susceptible to diseases that are often spread in college dorms and densely
  populated lecture halls.
- **Not Just for Kids**-August 24^(th) is
  [Not Just for Kids Week](http://www.nphic.org/niam-adults). Even adults need
  to maintain their vaccine schedule and receive updated vaccinations when
  available. Ensuring proper immunization is increasingly important for those
  over 60 years old and who have medical conditions such as COPD, asthma and
  heart disease.

Vaccination is extremely important for healthcare workers as they are often
exposed to various contagious illnesses as they are treating their patients.
Other service-oriented professions who work with the general public should also
be cautious of obtaining updated immunizations. If you have any questions
regarding vaccinations, contact your healthcare professional today. You may want
to inquire regarding scheduling a yearly well-man or well-women examination
which includes a physical examination, as well as updates to needed
immunizations and general blood work.

Do you have an interest in an allied health career? The healthcare industry
includes a wide variety of professions, including medical assisting and nursing.
Arizona College offers many allied health degree and diploma programs, as well
as a
[Bachelor of Science in Nursing program](https://www.arizonacollege.edu/nursing/nursing-program-information/)
that can help you reach your goals. Make a change in your future, and
[Contact Arizona College](https://www.arizonacollege.edu/request-information/)
today to learn more about our
[allied health degree and diploma programs](https://www.arizonacollege.edu/all-programs/)
offered at our Glendale and Mesa campuses.

---

_Information in this blog post is accurate as of August 1, 2014._

**Categories:** Health & Wellness