August is National Immunization Awareness Month, making this a great opportunity to remind your patients to get their appropriate vaccines.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), thousands of American adults get sick each year from diseases that vaccines can prevent. For patients with asthma or COPD, vaccines are an important step in protecting their health from serious diseases like influenza and pneumonia.
August is also a great month to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine. Your patients might even ask you for clarification on the vaccines and resources.
Through National Immunization Awareness Month, the CDC is teaming with other agencies, such as the AARC, to help promote and educate patients on the importance of vaccinations. The CDC even prepared an online tool to help individuals know what vaccines they may need: The Adult Vaccine Quiz.
Due to the current political climate, some of your patients may be apprehensive to get vaccinated. The CDC provides a resource about why you should vaccinate. It is important for your patients to know the basic of vaccinations and for you to know the answers to common questions.
Resources from the CDC for RTs
- Vaccine Information for Adults With Lung Disease Including Asthma
- Adults With Chronic Conditions: Get Vaccinated
- Asthma and Flu Shots
Email newsroom@aarc.org with questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you.
Addie Schiefer is the Content Manager for the AARC where she creates engaging content for the association via the AARC website, newsletters, and social media. Connect with her about potential stories by email, AARConnect, or LinkedIn. When she’s not working, you can find her listening to a true crime podcast, traveling to new places with her husband, hanging out with her dog JoJo, or browsing the aisles of the nearest Target.
