August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and each week is focused on a specific group of people. Nurse Lynn Fisher of Washington County Public Health said the final week is dedicated to ensuring the future health of teens and pre-teens. She said parents should be aware there are vaccines recommended for their teenage children, and the most important to consider are tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (TDAP), meningitis, and the Gardasil vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV).

With National Immunization Awareness Month ending, Fisher said the goal has been to increase awareness and information for the general population, and to learn about the importance of vaccines for all ages. If people have questions or concerns about immunizations, Fisher encourages them to consult with their health care provider or reputable websites. She recommended the websites of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Immunization Action Coalition, and the Center for Disease Control for more information.