August designated National Immunization Awareness Month

(HealthDay)—In order to remind adults of the importance of immunizations throughout life, August is being recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month, according to a report from the American College of Physicians (ACP).

The ACP encourages adults to get annual flu vaccines to protect against seasonal flu, and to discuss other vaccinations with their internist. Other vaccinations that adults might need include tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis; pneumococcal vaccines; human papillomavirus; hepatitis B; and herpes zoster.

In addition, the ACP is offering other resources to internists to help increase immunization rates, including webinars and videos discussing the latest vaccine recommendations for adults; ACP quality connect coaching calls for physicians; ACP adult immunization and quality improvement training program for residents; and the ACP practice advisor adult immunization module, which is a practice management tool to enhance patient care.

"Immunizations guard against serious health problems, hospitalization, and even death," Nitin Damle, M.D., president of the ACP, said in a statement. "National Immunization Awareness Month is the perfect time for internal medicine physicians to make sure that their patients are up-to-date on the latest recommended adult immunization schedule."