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August is National Immunization Awareness Month

August 2021

Vaccinations are an important public health strategy, and a very convenient and safe preventive care initiative.

Designed to build our body’s natural immunity, vaccines are a highly effective way to stop the spread of contagious and dangerous diseases.

COVID-19 vaccines are free to all people living in the United States, regardless of their immigration or health insurance status.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a good time to remember the importance to staying up to date on all recommended vaccines.

Routine vaccinations:

  • Chickenpox (Varicella)
  • Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, (DTaP, Tdap, Td)
  • Hepatitis A & B (HepA and HepB)
  • Influenza (flu vaccine)
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV vaccine)
  • Rotavirus (RV)
  • Pneumococcal disease (PCV13, PPSV23)
  • Polio (IPV)
  • Shingles (Zoster vaccine)
  • Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)
  • Meningococcal disease (MenCWY and MenB)
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

CDC Vaccination Recommendations

Adults

  • Adults who are immunocompromised should be up to date on their vaccinations due to their increased risk of disease complications.
  • Adult vaccinations can prevent shingles, pneumonia, hepatitis B, seasonal flu, and more.
  • Vaccines are recommended based on age, job, lifestyle, travel, or health conditions.

Pregnant Women

  • Influenza and T-dap (whooping cough) vaccine are recommended to develop immunity and protect the baby.
  • Postpartum vaccinations will help protect the mother and pass antibodies to the baby through breastmilk.
  • Family members and caregivers should be up to date on their vaccinations to protect the baby.

Children

  • A baby’s immune system is not fully developed, so vaccines are important to strengthen their body’s defense against infection.
  • Vaccines provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially serious diseases.
  • Immunization schedules are carefully designed and tested to ensure safety and efficacy.
  • An annual influenza vaccine is recommended at 6 months of age and older.
  • Most schools and colleges require proof of immunization to enroll.

All vaccines are carefully studied and monitored for side effects. Please talk to your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional about the importance of vaccinations.

COVID-19 Vaccines

Now available to everyone 12 years and older in the United States, the COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be extremely effective at preventing COVID-19. The vaccines protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Unvaccinated people should get vaccinated and continue masking until they are fully vaccinated. With the Delta variant, this is more urgent than ever. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has updated guidance for fully vaccinated people based on the Delta variant, which causes more infections and spreads faster than early forms of the COVID-19 virus.

  • COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at preventing COVID-19 disease. COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of people spreading the virus.
  • Side effects may occur after vaccination. These are normal and should go away in a few days.
  • It takes time for the body to build immunity after receiving the vaccine. You will not be fully vaccinated until 2 weeks after the second dose of the vaccine or 2 weeks after the single-dose vaccine.
  • After you are fully vaccinated, you can participate in many of the activities that you did before the pandemic.

COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from getting sick even after you have had COVID-19.

Vaccination is an important tool to help us get back to normal. This information will help you prepare for your COVID-19 vaccination.

Learn more about the different types of COVID-19 vaccines and how they work.

Other Resources

The information, analyses, opinions and/or recommendations contained herein relating to the impact or the potential impact of coronavirus/COVID-19 on insurance coverage or any insurance policy is not a legal opinion, warranty or guarantee, and should not be relied upon as such. This communication is intended for informational use only. As insurance agents or brokers, we do not have the authority to render legal advice or to make coverage decisions, and you should submit all claims to your insurance carrier for evaluation. Given the on-going and constantly changing situation with respect to the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, this communication does not necessarily reflect the latest information regarding recently-enacted, pending or proposed legislation or guidance that could override, alter or otherwise affect existing insurance coverage. At your discretion, please consult with an attorney at your own expense for specific advice in this regard.

© 2021 McGriff Insurance Services, Inc. All rights reserved. McGriff Insurance Services, Inc. is a subsidiary of Truist Insurance Holdings, Inc. This bulletin is provided for informational purposes only. McGriff is not providing legal advice and recommends you consult with your own counsel for legal guidance/opinion.

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