Recently, there have been reminders that contagious diseases still exist. Both the Ebola outbreak in the African continent and Greece losing its malaria-free status just last year are two instances of very intimidating diseases. We are lucky, however, that many such diseases are controllable, even curable, through vaccines and immunizations.

With the beginning of August, thoughts turn to returning to school. While many think of school supplies and new school clothes, health and personal safety are also important. One of the ways we can protect our children’s health is by keeping their immunizations up-to-date.

With this in mind, August is National Immunization Awareness Month. The Centers for Disease Control has developed a weekly series of topics for the month to discuss immunization.

“A Healthy Start” week focused on babies through 2 years old. Making plans for vaccines and immunizations for both mom and baby can be very important for protection against those diseases and infections we can take for granted, such as the flu. The week of Aug. 10-16 centers on “Back to School” protection. As students return to schools, we need to take certain precautions, including reminding those in close quarters, such as classrooms and dorm rooms, to take time to wash their hands thoroughly.

Here in the Missouri Senate, we passed Senate Bill 754 last session, which requires all higher education students living in on-campus housing to receive a meningitis vaccine unless a medical or religious exemption exists. Dorms can be dangerous as young people live in close quarters.

However, not only do college students need to keep up on immunizations, so do adults. August 17-23 focuses on young adults with an “Off to the Future” theme, while Aug. 24-20 is “Not Just for Kids.” Immunizations and vaccinations are important for anyone who works with children or the elderly, or anyone who works with the public.

There are many vaccine-preventable diseases still common across this country, as well as some that are more prevalent in other parts of the world. While vaccinations are recommended, they are also voluntary. I would encourage citizens to research effects and side-effects and decide what is best for their families.