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Why Immunization Is Important: Protecting Health Across Every Age

A family of three—mother, father, and young daughter—smile together on a couch with small adhesive bandages on their upper arms, indicating recent vaccinations. On the right, a blue panel features a circular headshot of Brian Earnshaw, RN, BSN, with the text: "A note from our Infection Preventionist, Brian Earnshaw, RN, BSN." The image emphasizes family health and professional vaccine guidance.
Why Immunization Is Important: Protecting Health Across Every Age
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A stylized lotus flower logo with shades of teal and green, featuring a circular emblem in the center depicting a white mountain peak against a blue and green backgroundAt Monadnock Community Hospital, we believe that wellness isn’t just a destination—it’s a journey we embark on together. That’s why we’ve launched our Wellness Wednesday campaign, an initiative designed to inspire, inform, and empower our community to lead healthier, happier lives.

Vaccines Save Lives: The Power of Prevention During NIAM

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you from serious, preventable diseases. With August being National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), there is not better time to spotlight the value of staying up to date on recommended vaccines for every stage of life. 

Whether you’re preparing for school, planning a pregnancy, or entering older adulthood, vaccines help build and maintain immunity. They don’t just protect individuals; they help safeguard entire communities.  

Why Vaccines Matter 

  1. Prevent Serious Illness
    Vaccines reduce the risk of disease-related complications such as pneumonia, infertility, and hospitalization.

Science: Vaccines have prevented an estimated 4 million deaths per year worldwide (WHO, 2024 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/immunization-coverage). 

  1. Protect Vulnerable Populations
    Infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems rely on community immunity to stay safe.

Science: Herd immunity protects those who cannot be vaccinated due to health conditions (CDC, 2024 https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/immunity-types.htm). 

  1. 3. Stay on Schedule
    Routine immunizations are timed to offer protection when people are most vulnerable, like Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) for pregnant individuals or MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) for young children.

Science: Delayed vaccines increase outbreak risks, such as the 2022 measles outbreaks linked to gaps in MMR coverage (New England Journal of Medicine, 2025 https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra2504516). 

Quick Tips from Infection Preventionist Brian Earnshaw, RN, BSN

  • Check your records: Make sure you and your family are up to date on recommended vaccines. Ask your provider if you’re unsure. 
  • Think ahead: If you’re pregnant, talk to your OB about flu and Tdap vaccines to protect your baby early on. 
  • Protect elders: Adults over 60 should ask about shingles, pneumococcal, and RSV vaccines. 
  • Schedule school shots early: Don’t wait until the last minute for back-to-school immunizations. 

FAQ

Why are vaccines still important if diseases are rare?
Vaccines keep them rare. Without them, diseases like measles and polio could return. 

Is it safe to get multiple vaccines at once?
Yes. Scientific studies confirm that getting multiple vaccines during the same visit is both safe and effective. 

What if I missed some vaccines?
It’s not too late. A healthcare provider can help you catch up with a personalized schedule. 

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