As August marks National Immunization Awareness Month, Rural Health, Inc. (RHI) is encouraging adults across Massac, Johnson, and Union counties to review their immunization status. While back-to-school season frequently centers on children’s health needs, health officials remind the public that adult vaccination is equally vital for long-term health and community protection.
According to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults require protection beyond annual seasonal immunizations. Depending on age, travel, employment, and major life milestones like pregnancy, adults should remain current on immunizations often categorized as childhood vaccines, including:
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Tdap: Protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
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Viral Protections: Coverage for Hepatitis B, Chickenpox (Varicella), and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella).
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Targeted Health Defenses: Vaccines for Meningococcal disease alongside routine seasonal shots for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV.
“Outside of annual vaccines such as flu, COVID-19, and RSV, adults generally consider other vaccinations to be a ‘kid’ thing, not realizing that they are also susceptible to infection as easily as children,” said Shawnna Rhine, Director of Public Relations for Rural Health, Inc. “The difference is that because of underlying health conditions, age, and other risk factors, adults are more likely to suffer a serious illness without vaccination.”
Key Vaccine Facts & CDC Guidelines
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Proven Lifesaving Protection: Vaccines have safely reduced disease burden for over a century, yet preventable illnesses remain a significant threat to unimmunized individuals.
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Community Shielding: Maintaining updated adult immunizations prevents the spread of contagious diseases to vulnerable individuals in the community who cannot receive vaccines due to medical conditions.
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Complication Prevention: Beyond preventing initial infection, vaccines significantly lower the risk of severe outcomes, including hospitalization, long-term health complications, and death.
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Rigorous Safety Standards: The CDC and independent health experts continuously monitor vaccine safety data both before and after public approval. Most side effects remain mild and resolve within a few days.
Rural Health, Inc. encourages residents to consult their medical providers to evaluate personal health histories and determine specific immunization needs.
“It’s easy to get caught up in all the information we read and hear about vaccines,” Rhine noted. “Your provider is a trusted source and will help you decide if vaccination is right for you based on your individual health needs.”
As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Rural Health, Inc. provides medical, dental, mental health, and pharmacy services throughout southern Illinois, accepting Medicaid, Medicare, and most commercial insurance plans. To schedule an appointment or speak with a provider, contact Rural Health, Inc. at 618-833-4471 or visit www.ruralhealthinc.org.
