August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an opportunity to check in on one of the most important tools available for preventing infectious disease: vaccination.
Immunizations are not just a childhood health measure. Vaccines need to change throughout life based on age, health history, occupation, travel, pregnancy, and other factors. Staying current with recommended vaccines can help protect you from serious illness while also reducing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases within families, workplaces, schools and the broader community.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) provides immunization information and resources for Connecticut residents of all ages.
Infants and Young Children: Building Protection Early
The first years of life are an important time for immunization because young children can be particularly vulnerable to complications from infectious diseases.
Childhood vaccines provide protection against diseases including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis A and B, chickenpox, and others.
Parents and caregivers should work with their child's healthcare provider to make sure vaccines are administered at the recommended ages. CT DPH provides vaccine information for parents and caregivers, including links to current childhood and adolescent immunization schedules.
Connecticut also operates the Connecticut Vaccine Program (CVP), which supplies vaccines to participating healthcare providers for children under age 19.
School-Age Children and Teens: Keeping Protection on Schedule
As children enter school and move into adolescence, additional vaccines and booster doses become important.
Depending on age and vaccination history, these can include vaccines protecting against:
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Meningococcal disease
- Seasonal influenza
- Other diseases based on individual circumstances
The HPV vaccine is particularly important during adolescence because it can prevent infections that can cause several types of cancer later in life.
Families should review immunization records during annual physicals and before the start of a new school year. Connecticut families can also use the state's CT WiZ Public Portal to access immunization records for themselves or their minor children.
Young Adults: Don't Let Vaccines Fall Off the Checklist
Graduating from high school or moving away from home can mean taking greater responsibility for your own healthcare—including vaccinations.
College students, especially those living in dormitories or other shared housing, should make sure they meet applicable vaccination requirements and discuss recommended vaccines with a healthcare provider. Young adults should also determine whether they have completed the recommended vaccine series, including HPV vaccination.
This is also a good time to start maintaining your own vaccination record. You may need it for college, employment, healthcare work, or international travel.
Adults: Vaccination Is Preventive Care
Vaccines remain an important part of preventive healthcare throughout adulthood. As CT DPH notes on its Adult Immunizations page, protection from some childhood vaccines can decrease over time, and adults can become vulnerable to different diseases as they age.
Depending on your age, health history, and other risk factors, your healthcare provider may recommend vaccines for diseases such as influenza, tetanus and pertussis, hepatitis A or B, shingles, pneumococcal disease, and others.
Rather than assuming you're up to date, make vaccination history part of your routine conversations with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Older Adults: Protection Becomes Especially Important
Our immune systems change as we age, and some infections are more likely to cause serious complications in older adults.
Vaccines recommended based on age and individual risk can provide protection against illnesses such as shingles, pneumococcal disease, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Because recommendations can depend on your age, previous vaccinations, and medical conditions, talk with a healthcare provider about which vaccines are appropriate for you. CT DPH maintains vaccine information by population and vaccine type to help residents learn more.
Pregnancy and Other Health Considerations
Vaccination recommendations can also change during pregnancy or because of certain medical conditions, medications, occupations, or travel plans.
Some vaccines are specifically recommended during pregnancy to help protect both the pregnant person and the baby, while others should not be given during pregnancy. People with certain chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems may also have different vaccination needs.
For these situations, consult your healthcare provider rather than relying solely on age-based recommendations.
Not Sure What You've Already Received?
It's common for adults to lose track of vaccination records over the years.
If you received vaccinations in Connecticut, the CT WiZ Public Portal can help you access your immunization record or your minor child's record. Keep in mind that older vaccinations or vaccines administered outside Connecticut may not appear in the system, so records from previous healthcare providers can also be helpful.
Make Immunizations Part of Your Preventive Health Routine
National Immunization Awareness Month is a good reminder to take a few simple steps:
- Check your vaccination record.
- Review the vaccines recommended for your age and circumstances.
- Ask your healthcare provider about missing vaccines or booster doses.
- Keep your vaccination records in a safe, accessible place.
- Encourage family members to review their records, too.
Vaccination recommendations can change as new evidence becomes available. For current guidance from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, visit the Immunization Program.