August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This annual observance highlights the efforts to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases through on-time vaccination. This year, NIAM serves as a focal point to get back on track with routine vaccines.
During NIAM, encourage your patients to schedule appointments to ensure they are up to date on annual exams and recommended vaccines. Research shows that healthcare providers remain the most trusted source of vaccine information for parents and patients.
CDC’s NIAM web page includes two toolkits, one for reaching healthcare professionals and the other for reaching parents and patients. Each includes key messages, sample social media content, and educational resources. CDC encourages its partners to share these messages and resources throughout August using the hashtag #ivax2protect
Additional Resources:
- Immunizations Facts For Consumers I Great Plains QIN
- Motivational Interviewing Tip Sheet | Great Plains QIN
- Great Plains QIN Vaccination Webpage
Vaccinations in Older Adults Webinar | August 22, 2023: 3:00 – 4:00 pm (CT)
Dr. Allison Hursman will discuss vaccines in older adults, including risks and benefits and addressing safety concerns. She will explain the timing, side effects and administration of vaccinations in older adults as well as how to address patient vaccine concerns and informed recommendations.
Hosted by Great Plains Quality Innovation Network. Learn more and get registered.
August Friday Focus 4 Health August Series begins on August 4, 2023
Looking at Immunizations Through A Different Lens | 12:15 – 12:45 pm CT
Our Friday Focus 4 Health Series is intended to jump start or augment your current quality improvement efforts. Participants will connect across the Dakotas for a diverse and collaborative learning experience designed to improve patient outcomes. During this Series, we will talk about immunizations through the lens of equity.
- Week One: Angle on Equity
Week Two: Snapshot of Data and Immunization Information Systems - Week Three: Zoom in on Vaccine Hesitancy
- Week Four: Framing Your Delivery of Vaccinations
Attend our Friday Focus 4 Health Series in August to learn more. We hope to see you there!