National Immunization Awareness Month and Summertime Stress Management

Are You Up to Date on Your Immunizations?

August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month to promote the importance of immunizations at all life stages.

Vaccination protects against severe illnesses and complications of vaccine-preventable diseases. Such illnesses include measles, polio, hepatitis, meningococcal meningitis—and now, COVID-19.

Vaccinations are so vital that the CDC offers immunization schedules to help you understand if you or other loved ones are up to date on vaccinations:

• Infants and children (birth to age 6)
• Preteens and teens (ages 7 to 18)
• Adults (ages 19 and older)
• Pregnant women (before, during, and after pregnancy

Talk to your doctor for more information on vaccines or to learn more about which ones you may need.

While summertime allows many to take trips, have a break from the school routine and more, there are other summertime stressors that may impact how you feel and work.

Summertime Stressors

• Disruption in schedule or routines
• Change in sleep and eating habits
• Financial limitations to being able to participate in vacations and activities
• Significant weather changes (e.g., daylight, heat and humidity)

9 Simple Ways to Prioritize Your Mental Health

1.  Get Outside

2.  Stay physically active

3.  Maintain a healthy sleep schedule

4.  Stick with a routine in general

5.  Use your vacation time

6.  Plan your day

7.  Don’t compare yourself with others

8.  Don’t break the bank

9.  Socialize to stay connected