August is National Immunization Month
8/5/2021 by Robert M. Jacobson, M.D.
August is National Immunization Month. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, this month is likely the national immunization month of the century.
Immunizations against COVID-19 have dramatically reduced the national rates of COVID-19 infection. The number of deaths from COVID-19 has dropped dramatically. Similar drops in hospitalizations and case counts also have been seen.
COVID-19 vaccines are now available for everyone 12 and older. Mayo Clinic recommends that everyone who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination receives it. National and state experts agree with this recommendation.
While a new variant in the virus is causing COVID-19 infection, the real danger of that variant is among the unvaccinated. It spreads more quickly than the original version. It creates a heavier burden of infection in those infected than the original version.
The good news is that current COVID-19 vaccines protect the vaccinated against this new variant.
So, while we are celebrating all the good vaccines can do, family members, neighbors and co-workers should be encouraged to get vaccinated for COVID-19, too.
View the COVID-19 vaccination information for Minnesota patients and residents webpage, which includes information on COVID-19 vaccine availability. Mayo Clinic is vaccinating anyone 12 and older. To schedule a COVID-19 vaccination, call the Rochester campus appointment line at 507-538-4040 or use your Patient Online Services account.
Learn more about getting vaccinated for COVID-19 on the Community Health website.
Robert M. Jacobson, M.D., is the medical director of the Primary Care Immunization Program for Primary Care in Southeast Minnesota.