Emails show that Tennessee’s health officials will not acknowledge that August is National Immunization Awareness Month per an order from the state’s health commissioner.

Skyler Kalady, M.D., of Cleveland Clinic Childrens, said its vital to stay on track with vaccines, especially in the middle of a pandemic. Its really important that children stay up to date on routine vaccines to avoid creating a different problem: a vaccine-preventable illnesses, she said. Its especially important this year to vaccinate your child for influenza as early as possible in the season, Kalady said. This will make influenza much less likely, as well as reduce the worrisome possibility of getting both influenza and COVID at the same time.If youre not sure your child is up to date with their vaccines, Kalady recommends calling your pediatrician. She also reminds parents that its safe to visit your pediatricians office during the pandemic, as many facilities are taking extra precautions to keep both caregivers and patients safe.

Stay-at-home orders and virtual learning meant to reduce the spread of COVID-19 have also lowered the number of families using immunizations services, local health officials said. Just because your student isnt attending in-person school doesnt mean you should skip routine vaccinations, Duval County health officials said. We understand there has been a lot of confusion out there due to the pandemic, said Dr. Pauline Rolle, Interim Health Officer and Medical Director of the Department of Health in Duval County. According to county health officials, the best defense against preventable diseases is vaccination. Vaccines help develop the bodys ability to fight germs, which cause certain infectious diseases.