Immunization, or vaccination, helps prevent dangerous and sometimes deadly diseases. Immunization isn’t just for kids — to stay protected against serious illnesses like the flu, measles, and pneumonia, adults need to get vaccinated too.

National Immunization Awareness Month is a great time to promote vaccines and remind family, friends, and coworkers to stay up to date on their shots.

How can National Immunization Awareness Month make a difference?

We can all use this month to raise awareness about vaccines and share strategies to increase immunization rates with our community.

Here are just a few ideas:

• Talk to friends and family members about how vaccines aren’t just for kids. People of all ages can get shots to protect them from serious diseases.
• Encourage people in your community to get the flu vaccine every year.
• Invite a doctor or nurse to speak to parents about why it’s important for all kids to get vaccinated.

How can I help spread the word?

We’ve made it easier for you to make a difference! This toolkit is full of ideas to help you take action today. For example:

• Add information about immunizations to your newsletter.
• Tweet about National Immunization Awareness Month.
• Host a community event where families can get together and learn about immunizations.
• Add this Web badge to your website, blog, or social networking profile.

• Sample Announcement
• Sample Tweets
• E-cards
• Web Badge
• Get Involved
• Share These Resources
• More Information

 

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Temporary Restaurant Application/Information

Summer is here. If your club or organization is serving food at any event, stop by for a temporary permit package. Package includes food safety and booth set up requirements along with some freebies to get you started.

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The temperatures are rising and the days are getting longer. It′s summertime once again. Here are some tips to help make your summer the best, and healthiest, one yet.

Grill and Chill

Whether you prefer burgers off the grill or a picnic in the park, one thing you don’t want on the menu this summer is food borne illness. Take these steps to help keep germs at bay.

Wash your hands before and after handling food.

When taking foods off the grill, do not put cooked food items back on the same plate that previously held raw food.

When grilling foods, preheat the coals on your grill for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the coals are lightly coated with ash.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure that food reaches a safe internal temperature.

Never let raw meat, cooked food or cut fresh fruits or vegetables sit at room temperature more than two hours before putting them in the cooler or refrigerator (one hour when the temperature is above 90°F).

Make sure to pack plenty of extra ice or freezer packs in your cooler to ensure a constant cold temperature. Beat the Heat Heat-related illnesses claim the lives of hundreds of people each year, so it is important to take these precautions when working or playing outside during the hot summer months.

Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages

Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that is light in color;

Reduce strenuous activities or do them during the cooler parts of the day.

 

Fun in the Sun

Your summer plans may include hitting the beach, or just spending more time outdoors. Make sure you plan to avoid sunburn, which can increase your risk of skin cancer.

Seek shade, especially during midday hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), when UV rays are strongest and do the most damage.

Cover up with clothing to protect exposed skin. Along-sleeved shirt and long pants with a tight weave are best.

Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.

Grab shades that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.

Rub on sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection.

Swim Safe

Swimming is a fun way to stay cool and be active. Before diving in, make sure you know these tips for staying healthy and safe while swimming.

Avoid swallowing pool water or even getting it in your mouth.

Shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.

Take children on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.

Keep an eye on children at all times. Kids can drown in seconds and in silence.

Never swim alone or in unsupervised locations. Teach children to always swim with a buddy.

Don’t use air-filled swimming aids (such as “water wings”) with children in place of life jackets or life preservers. For More Information 1-800-CDC-INFOhttp://www.cdc.gov/