National Immunization Awareness Month

August is National Immunization Awareness Month! Local Health Departments can take advantage of this opportunity to plan activities that will educate and encourage community members to ensure they are age-appropriately vaccinated. August is the perfect time to remind family, friends, co-workers, and those in the community to catch up on their vaccinations. Parents are enrolling their children in school, students are entering college, and healthcare workers are preparing for the upcoming flu season.  Take advantage of this back-to-school season by planning an immunization related activity at your facility.

A variety of materials have been developed to help Local Health Departments plan NIAM activities.  A list of modifiable resources is below. All files are in format:

• Suggested ideas/activities to implement locally to celebrate NIAM
• Sample press release to distribute to local media outlets announcing NIAM
• Sample press release to distribute to local media outlets highlighting activities you plan to implement
• List of talking points to use if your efforts generate media response
• Materials Order Form
• A Feedback Form to let us know what you’ve done

Please let us know your plans to celebrate NIAM by completing and returning this Feedback Form.  Your efforts will be highlighted in a statewide press release.  In addition, if you receive any media attention on your NIAM activities please send them to us as well.  You can direct all of your NIAM correspondence, and any questions you may have, to our Public Information Officer at the following address:
                               NC Immunization Branch
                               Attn:  Amy Caruso
                               1917 Mail Service Center   
                               Raleigh, NC 27699-1917

Fax:  919-870-4824
Phone: 919-707-5555
Email: amy.caruso@dhhs.nc.gov

Thank you for your role in making this statewide immunization awareness initiative successful!