August is Vaccine Awareness Month!

Vaccines aren’t just for kids—they’re for adults, too! You can protect yourself from serious diseases like shingles, pneumonia, and the flu. August is Vaccine Awareness Month, so we’ve gathered the latest information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to keep you updated.

Vaccines work with your body’s natural defenses to reduce your risk of infection by helping to safely develop immunity to diseases. They are among the most effective ways to protect against serious diseases that you may come in contact with. Like other medicines and medical products, vaccines can cause side effects, so make sure you discuss them with your doctor.

And when it comes to vaccines, time matters. You’ll want to talk to your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider to make sure you’re up-to-date on your recommended vaccinations. You can get started by using the CDC’s Adult Vaccination Assessment tool.

It can be hard to remember that you’re still at risk for diseases that are no longer common in the US—but we can thank vaccines for that! These diseases still exist and can spread to adults who aren’t vaccinated. And if you’re planning to travel abroad, make sure to speak with your doctor about additional vaccines you might need before your trip.

Every year, adults are hospitalized with preventable diseases. Talk to you doctor today about protecting your health with vaccines!