CHENANGO COUNTY – Each year, thousands of adults in the United States suffer serious health problems, are hospitalized, or even die from diseases that could have been prevented by a vaccination.

To emphasize the importance of immunizations throughout the life cycle – and to help remind adults that they need vaccines, too – Chenango County Public Health is recognizing August as “National Immunization Awareness Month.” The observance will serve as a an opportunity to make sure area adults are protected against diseases like flu, whooping cough, tetanus, shingles and pneumococcal disease.

When most of us think of vaccines, we envision teary-eyed tots at the doctor’s office or flu clinic getting a cartoon character bandage on their arm after getting a shot. But, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are plenty of reasons that adults should get vaccines, too.

Vaccines you need as an adult depend on everything from your age and lifestyle to high-risk medical conditions, travel plans, and which shots you’ve had in the past, and every adult should talk to their health care providers about which vaccines are right for them, and schedule the necessary vaccinations.