As families prepare for the start of the school year, their back-to-school checklists naturally include school supplies and new clothes. But what about a health check list? August is National Immunization Awareness Month, which shines the spotlight on the need for vaccinations for children as well as adults.

This year's campaign theme is "Are You Up to Date? Vaccinate!" reminding people of all ages of the importance of immunization. August is a good time to promote vaccinations because parents are enrolling their children in school, students are entering college and health care workers are preparing for flu season.

Why are immunizations important?
Immunization was one of the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century. Vaccines have wiped out smallpox, eliminated wild poliovirus in the U.S. and significantly reduced the number of cases of measles, diphtheria, rubella, pertussis and other diseases. But despite these efforts, today tens of thousands of people in the U.S. still die from these and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Vaccines offer safe and effective protection from infectious diseases. By staying up-to-date on recommended vaccines, individuals can protect themselves, families, friends and communities from serious, life-threatening infections.

Who should be immunized?
Recommended vaccinations begin soon after birth and continue throughout life. Be aware of the vaccines that are recommended for infants, children, adolescents, adults of all ages and seniors, and make sure these immunizations are received.

When are immunizations given?
Because children are particularly vulnerable to infection, most vaccines are given during the first five to six years of life. Other immunizations are recommended during adolescent or adult years and, for certain vaccines, booster immunizations are recommended throughout life. Vaccines against certain diseases also are recommended for travelers to specific regions of the world outside the U.S.

E.ON U.S.'s medical claims administrators — Anthem and UnitedHealthcare — provide information on smoking cessation and many other health-related topics on their websites and through their toll-free nurse advice lines — available to members 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are an Anthem or UHC member, access information at:

• www.anthem.com
  Anthem's 24-Hour NurseLine: 1-800-337-4770
• www.myuhc.com
  UnitedHealthcare's Optum Nurseline: 1-800-846-4678