National Immunization Awareness Month
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). It’s a great time to check in on your family’s vaccination records and make sure you’re all up to date.
Vaccines are one of the best tools we have to protect our health. They prevent serious illnesses like measles, flu, pneumonia, and whooping cough. At South Tabor Family Physicians, we’re here to help you stay on track—whether you’re preparing your child for school or getting ready for flu season.
What Are Vaccines and Why Are They Important?
Vaccines teach your body to fight off diseases. They do this by helping your immune system build memory. That means if you are exposed to a virus or bacteria later, your body already knows how to fight it. Thanks to vaccines, many diseases that used to be common—like polio and mumps—are now rare in the U.S. But some are making a comeback when people skip their shots.
Getting vaccinated helps protect:
• You
• Your family
• Your community (especially those who can’t get vaccines, like babies or people with weak immune systems)
Who Needs Vaccines?
Vaccines aren’t just for kids! People of all ages need to stay current. Here’s a quick look by age group:
Babies and Young Children
Vaccines protect against diseases like measles, polio, whooping cough, and chickenpox.
Preteens and Teens
Shots like the HPV vaccine, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and meningitis vaccines are recommended.
Adults
You may need boosters or vaccines for things like shingles, pneumonia, and the flu. Adults may also need COVID-19 boosters and tetanus shots every 10 years.
Pregnant People
Vaccines during pregnancy protect both the parent and the baby. The Tdap vaccine, for example, helps prevent whooping cough in newborns.
Older Adults
Vaccines can help prevent shingles, pneumonia, and severe flu. As we age, our immune systems weaken, so protection matters even more.
What Vaccines Are Available at South Tabor Family Physicians?
At South Tabor Family Physicians, we provide many common vaccines, including:
• Childhood vaccines as part of well-child visits
• Flu shots
• Tdap and DTaP
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• Hepatitis A and B
• Shingles vaccine
• Pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine
• HPV
• COVID-19
If you’re not sure which vaccines you need, we can help you review your records and plan.
Are Vaccines Safe?
Yes. Vaccines go through years of testing before they are approved. They are monitored closely for safety by the CDC and FDA even after they’re in use.
Most side effects are mild—like a sore arm or a slight fever. Serious reactions are rare, and your provider is trained to help if you ever have a concern.
What About Vaccine Myths?
There are a lot of myths about vaccines. But the facts are clear:
• Vaccines do not cause autism
• It’s better to prevent illness than to treat it
• Skipping shots puts you and others at risk
If you have questions, we’re happy to talk about them. We’re here to give you trustworthy, science-based information—not pressure.
Helpful Resources on Immunization
Here are two reliable sources for more vaccine information:
• CDC: Immunization Schedules
Stay up to date with vaccine schedules for all age groups.
• Vaccinate Your Family
A nonprofit site that helps families learn about vaccines, safety, and advocacy.
Ready to Catch Up? We’re Here to Help
Not sure if you’re behind on any vaccines? Don’t worry—we can help. At STFP, our friendly health care providers can check your records, answer your questions, and get you back on track. Meet our care team and see how we support patients of all ages.
We offer:
• Vaccinations for kids, teens, and adults
• Same-day appointments
• On-site lab and testing
• A caring team with over 60 years of experience serving Portland families
📞 Call us today at 503-261-7200 to schedule an appointment or ask about what vaccines you may need. We’re conveniently located right off I-205 and accepting new patients.
