August is National Immunization Awareness Month

From: Public Safety

National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is held every August to highlight the importance of vaccines for people of all ages. This month Environmental Health and Safety is reminding the campus community to stay up to date with their vaccinations.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there was a significant drop in routine immunizations for both children and adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the pandemic, routine immunizations are unevenly going up but have not recovered.   

For Virginia Tech employees enrolled in the Commonwealth of Virginia health plans, preventative immunizations are available at a zero-dollar cost to enrolled members. Eligible employees can take advantage of the immunizations offered on campus, which are communicated through VT News daily email. This fall, Hokie Wellness is offering its annual flu shot clinic during the month of October. 

For students at Virginia Tech, Schiffert Health Center offers mass vaccination clinics and individual appointments.  

“Always consult with your physician or health care provider if you have any questions about receiving a vaccination, especially with a previous adverse reaction,” said Juliet Dadras, occupational health nurse with Environmental Health and Safety’s Occupational Health Clinic.