Every August, National Immunization Awareness Month shines a spotlight on one of the most
effective tools we have to protect our health: vaccines. Staying up to date on vaccinations isn’t
just about your personal health, it protects the whole community. From infants to older adults,
immunizations play a critical role in preventing serious diseases, like measles, whooping cough,
flu, and HPV-related cancers.
Thanks to immunization, diseases that once claimed thousands of lives each year have been
drastically reduced or even eliminated in some regions. But this progress is fragile. When
immunization rates drop, preventable diseases can resurface quickly, as seen with recent
measles outbreaks around the country.
Here are steps you can take:
1. Check your vaccine status through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR) or
contact your local health department for assistance.
2. Review reliable, evidence-based vaccine information from trusted sources. View this
document for tips: https://tinyurl.com/bdnpy3ey
3. Talk with your healthcare provider about any vaccine questions specific to your health
needs.
4. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or local public health office to
stay up to date on recommended vaccines.
5. Prepare for respiratory illness season by planning when and where you’ll get your flu
shot.
6. Discuss vaccines and trusted health resources with your loved ones.
By staying current on vaccinations, families help protect their children and strengthen our
entire community. For vaccine schedules, clinic locations, or questions, reach out to Monroe
County Health Department at 608-269-8666. Together we can keep our community healthy and
safe. Follow the Monroe County Health Department Facebook and Instagram pages for more.
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