This month, many kids will be heading back to school while others will be starting school for the first time. That’s why it’s an excellent time to be sure your immunizations are up-to-date.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are working to increase awareness about the importance of immunizations for people of all ages. Most children entering school for the first time, as well as students beginning college, are required to have certain immunizations. Check with your child’s school for these requirements.

Immunizations are among the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century. Vaccines have eliminated smallpox and polio in the United States and significantly reduced measles, diphtheria, rubella, pertussis and other diseases. However, people in the U.S. still die from these and other preventable diseases. Vaccines are safe for most people and offer the most effective protection against many serious illnesses.

Recommended vaccinations begin shortly after birth and continue throughout life. It’s important to be aware of the vaccines recommended for infants, children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. Vaccines against certain diseases may be recommended if you are traveling to certain parts of the world.

Our Healthy You! wellness benefit covers recommended vaccinations from birth throughout later stages of life, as well as an annual flu vaccine. As a Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi member with Healthy You!, you can receive all covered screenings with your network provider with no out-of-pocket cost. To download and print a Healthy You! Wellness Guide with a complete list of covered screenings, visit the Healthy You! page of our website.

For additional information on immunizations, including schedules, risks, questions and more, visit the Vaccinations page of the CDC website.