August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a reminder that vaccines are not just for children. They are an important part of staying healthy throughout every stage of life.
Whether you’re preparing your child for the first day of school, protecting yourself from seasonal illnesses, or helping an aging parent stay healthy, immunizations remain one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent serious disease.
At Pillar Health and KCHC, we are committed to helping patients of all ages stay healthy through education, preventive care, and recommended immunizations.
Why Immunizations Matter
Immunization is one of the greatest public health achievements in history. Before vaccines became widely available, diseases like measles, polio, whooping cough, diphtheria, and influenza caused widespread illness, permanent disability, and thousands of deaths every year. The first FDA approved vaccine was for influenza in 1945.
Today, many of these diseases are rare because vaccines have dramatically reduced, or even eliminated, their spread.
Vaccines work by helping your immune system recognize and fight harmful viruses and bacteria before they can make you seriously ill. They not only protect you, but also help protect your family, coworkers, classmates, neighbors, and those whose medical conditions prevent them from receiving certain vaccines.
This community-wide protection is called herd immunity. When enough people are vaccinated, diseases have fewer opportunities to spread, helping safeguard infants, older adults, cancer patients, and others with weakened immune systems.
One of the best examples is polio, a disease that once paralyzed thousands of children each year. Thanks to widespread vaccination, polio has been eliminated in the United States.
Wisconsin School Immunization Requirements
Wisconsin law requires students attending public schools, including Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) and Racine Unified School District (RUSD), to meet minimum immunization requirements unless a valid waiver has been submitted.
Vaccines Are Important Throughout Life
Many people think vaccinations stop after childhood, but adults also need routine immunizations to stay protected.
Depending on your age, health history, occupation, travel plans, or medical conditions, your provider may recommend vaccines for:
- Influenza (flu)
- COVID-19
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) booster every 10 years
- Shingles (recommended for adults age 50 and older)
- Pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine for eligible adults
- RSV vaccine for eligible adults age 60 and older
- HPV vaccine for eligible teens and young adults who have not completed the series
Whether you’re entering college, starting a new job, expecting a baby, caring for grandchildren, or simply keeping up with preventive care, staying current on immunizations helps protect both you and those around you.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Whether your child needs school-required immunizations or you are due for routine adult vaccines, Pillar Health is here to help.
Or call the Pillar Health location nearest you:
Pillar Health Kenosha Clinic: (262) 771-1700
KCHC 22nd Avenue Kenosha Clinic: (262) 771-0070
KCHC 14th Avenue Kenosha Clinic: (262) 771-1688
KCHC 2nd Street Silver Lake Clinic: (262) 771-1963
Pillar Health Racine Clinic: (262) 771-0035
Are You Up to Date?
Take a moment to see if you or someone in your family may be due for vaccinations.
Protect yourself. Protect your family. Protect your community. Staying up to date on immunizations is one of the easiest and most effective ways to invest in lifelong health.
