JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
As the school season quickly approaches, children will return from the summer freedoms of the outdoors to confined, air-conditioned classrooms. As children turn in their baseball bats and swimsuits for pencils and homework, germs can manifest on school supplies, door handles and the hands of students.
In an attempt to combat germs and bacterial infections, August is dedicated as National Immunizations Awareness Month.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, vaccines are the best defense against serious diseases. They encourage everyone, from parents of infants to the elderly to make sure that they are up to date on all recommended vaccines.
According to vaccines.gov, NIAM aims to increase awareness about immunizations across the lifespan, from infants to the elderly. According to NIAM, August marks an ideal time to ensure everyone is up-to-date on vaccines before heading back to school.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Lucretta Cunningham, 633rd Medical Operations Squadron allergy and immunizations technician, agrees August is an important time to get vaccinated, especially children before returning to school.
"It only takes one child to get others sick," said Cunningham. "The reason why diseases such as measles and Pertussis, or whopping cough, are coming back is because parents are failing at making sure their children are up-to-date on their shots."
In a study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, since January 1, 183 people from 24 states have contracted measles. According to the study, the majority of people who displayed disease symptoms were unvaccinated.
Although parents ultimately decide whether or not their child receives yearly vaccinations, USAF Langley Hospital technicians emphasized the importance of remaining healthy through vaccinations.
"In my opinion, the media has played a negative factor in influencing parents to avoid vaccinations for their children; however, I cannot stress enough that remaining up-to-date on your children's shots is very important for their health," said Staff Sgt. Adele Dailey-Thomas, 633rd MDOS allergy and immunizations technician.
While schools require children and teenagers to receive a series of vaccines before attending, those who defend the United States must also use vaccinations to defend their bodies. They will be alerted of their status, via their Individual Medical Readiness Status found through the Air Force Portal.
"The best way to stay current on your vaccinations is through your personal IMR," said Dailey-Thomas. "Staying up-to-date on your shots is not only critical to a Service member's health, but it is also has an effect on their deployment readiness status."
When Service members do not remain current on their vaccinations prior to deploying, it can cause a delay on their out-processing, and in some cases, can cause their deployment date to slip.
To ensure medical readiness and prevent illness, Service members can visit the allergy and immunizations clinic between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, contact the clinic at 764-6800.