August is National Immunization Month, a time to check your health records and make sure you’ve received all relevant vaccinations and boosters. Immunity from childhood vaccines can subside over time, and we become susceptible to different diseases as adults.
While the COVID-19 vaccine is at the forefront of our national conversation, you may find that several of your childhood immunizations need boosters. These may include MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and varicella (chickenpox).
Depending on your age and health condition, vaccines or boosters also may be required for hepatitis B, meningitis, HPV, and shingles.
Of course, the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu shot are strongly encouraged for all adults. With the prevalence of coronavirus, and with flu season just around the corner, it is especially important that you receive these vaccines this year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers VaccineFinder (vaccines.gov), a free online service that searches for COVID-19 vaccination sites with open appointments nearby. The agency works with clinics, pharmacies, and health departments to provide accurate and current information, updated daily.
For more information about immunization, check out the following resources:
n An online assessment tool to help you determine what other general vaccinations you may need at cdc.gov/nip/adultimmsched.
n CDC website at cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html.
n The Wellness page on LiteBlue at liteblue.usps.gov/humanresources/benefits/health-wellness/welcome.shtml.
— Benefits and Wellness,
Human Resources, 8-26-21
