Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in healthcare, but staying on schedule and helping patients do the same requires constant effort. As we mark National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) this August, it’s a good time to revisit immunization schedules, address vaccine hesitancy, and look at how providers and payers can work together to keep communities protected.
Key Facts
- Vaccines prevent 4-5 million deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updates immunization schedules for all age groups annually.
- Vaccine hesitancy is driven by misinformation, distrust, and fear.
Vaccine Schedules by Life Stage
| Age | Recommended Vaccines |
|---|---|
|
Infants & Toddlers (0-2) |
Hepatitis B, DTaP, Hib, Polio, Rotavirus, Pneumococcal, Influenza (starting at 6 months) |
|
Preschoolers (3-6) |
MMR, Varicella, DTaP and Polio boosters, annual Influenza |
|
Children & Preteens (7-12) |
Catch-up vaccines, annual Influenza |
|
Teens (13-18) |
HPV, Meningococcal, Tdap booster, annual Influenza |
|
Adults (19-49) |
Tdap or Td every 10 years, COVID-19, annual Influenza, HPV (up to 26 or 45 based on risk) |
|
Adults (50-64) |
Shingles (2 doses), Pneumococcal if needed, COVID-19, annual Influenza, Tdap or Td |
|
Older Adults (65+) |
Pneumococcal (PCV20 or PCV15 + PPSV23), Shingles, COVID-19, annual Influenza, Td booster |
You can always check the full CDC schedule for children and teens or adults.
Talking About Vaccine Hesitancy
We’ve all had tough conversations with patients (or even peers) who hesitate to get vaccinated. Hesitancy often comes from fear, misinformation, or lack of trust.
Here’s what helps:
- Start confident – Saying “You’re due for this vaccine” works better than “Would you like it?”
- Listen first – Give space for concerns, then offer simple, clear facts.
- Make it personal – Share your own decisions to get vaccinated.
- Keep it respectful – Avoid debates. Just give the best info you can and leave the door open.
A 2025 study in Humanities & Social Sciences Communications shows people respond better when they feel heard. Empathy makes a big difference. And when you’re speaking from experience, it’s more likely to stick.
How Providers and Payers Can Team Up
We know that getting people vaccinated isn’t just about what happens in the exam room. Systems and support matter.
Here’s how we can work better together:
- Use EHR prompts and standing orders so vaccines don’t get missed.
- Make sure vaccines are fully covered and easy to access.
- Send texts, emails, or calls to remind people when they’re due.
- Watch your numbers; track vaccine rates and celebrate progress.
The more we connect with patients outside the clinic, the more likely they are to come in and follow through.
What Can You Do This NIAM
August is a great time to take action. Here are a few easy ways to boost awareness:
- Print or post the updated CDC schedules in waiting areas and online.
- Run quick team huddles to go over vaccine scripts and strategies.
- Offer walk-in or pop-up vaccine clinics.
- Talk to payers about running outreach campaigns in your area.
The goal is simple: help more people stay on track with vaccines at every age.
Key Takeaways
- Stay current on CDC immunization schedules and use clear, confident communication to encourage on-time vaccination across all age groups.
- Address vaccine hesitancy with empathy, personal examples, and simple, fact-based language.
- Work closely with payers and staff to support patient outreach, improve access, and increase vaccine uptake beyond the exam room.
FAQs
What’s the best way to discuss vaccines with hesitant patients?
Start with a clear and confident recommendation. Use simple language, listen to concerns without judgment, and focus on safety and benefits. Personal examples, like sharing your own vaccine decisions, can also build trust.How can providers help improve vaccine uptake beyond the exam room?
Use EHR alerts, set up standing orders, and schedule reminders by text, email, or phone. Partner with payers to support outreach campaigns and offer convenient options like walk-in or pop-up clinics.What strategies help improve staff engagement in vaccine promotion?
Hold quick huddles to go over current schedules, common talking points, and patient FAQs. Encourage staff to share personal vaccine stories and reinforce the impact of their role in boosting uptake. Keeping everyone informed and aligned builds confidence and consistency in messaging.
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Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age (Addendum updated July 2, 2025)
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/child-adolescent-age.html - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Adult Immunization Schedule by Age (Addendum updated July 2, 2025)
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/adult-age.html - Humanities & Social Sciences Communications
Conspiracism and government distrust predict COVID-19 vaccine refusal
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-025-05267-z
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