By Yelena Bagdasaryan, Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates 

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an opportunity to recognize the importance of childhood immunizations and answer questions from parents and guardians about necessary immunizations and their safety. As children prepare to start classes and see their friends in August, there are more possibilities for them to contract preventable diseases. 

Ensuring students are up to date on their immunizations allows them to safely focus on their studies and spending time with their peers.

Why are childhood immunizations important?

  • Immunizations have eradicated or almost eliminated deadly diseases such as smallpox, polio, and rinderpest which have positively affected the future generations of children everywhere. 
  • Immunizations protect children’s health from deadly and preventable diseases, and reduce the spread of these diseases in the United States. 
  • Immunizations are safe and effective in protecting families and communities. 
  • Children still get preventable diseases, which can put babies who are too young to receive certain immunizations at high risk. Recently, there was a resurgence of whooping cough in Lexington, which can be prevented through immunization. 
  • Immunizations are routinely tested by the FDA to ensure safety and prevent side effects.
  • Immunizations are typically covered by the Children’s Health Insurance Program and there are programs available to alleviate any costs. 
  • Immunizations can also help families save time and money. Some of these diseases result in long-lasting effects, which means expensive medical bills and more time spent at the doctor’s office. 

What immunizations does my child need?

  • Talk to your child’s pediatrician about recommended immunizations and make a plan to ensure your child stays on schedule.
  • Be sure to complete the required form with your child’s school for enrollment. 
  • Look at the resources from the Kentucky Department of Public Health to see what types of immunizations are needed for each stage of your child’s life and additional information about each one.

Ensuring children receive immunizations can create future generations of Kentuckians who are safe from preventable diseases. Join KYA as we celebrate and promote National Immunization Awareness Month this August and beyond to support healthy Kentucky kids!