The Importance of immunizations Published Aug. 7, 2008 By Maj. Cathy Snowball Health and Wellness Center flight commander ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- August is National Immunization Awareness Month. The Centers for Disease Control and the Immunization Clinic on RAF Lakenheath can provide you with the most current child and adult immunization schedule. You can access the CDC via your government computer or your home computer at www.cdc.gov. To get immunization information simply type "immunization schedules" in the search engine and that will get you started. You may also stop by the Immunization Clinic on RAF Lakenheath and the staff can assist you in finding out if your vaccines are current. Recent reports on national news shows have touted vaccine complications and created doubt in numerous people's minds about vaccine safety. There are adverse reactions and side effects with vaccines just like with any medication. The fact is however, vaccines have saved thousands and thousands of lives through the years. They have eradicated smallpox, eliminated wild poliovirus in the U.S. and significantly reduced the number of cases of measles, diphtheria, rubella, pertussis and other diseases. The Immunization Clinic can't stress enough how important it is for you and your children to keep your vaccines up to date. In Europe, families are more at risk living off-base, attending local schools and traveling often to see new countries. When traveling keep your family healthy by getting the required vaccines for the places you will be visiting. Staying current on the recommended vaccines will protect you, your family and your community from serious life-threatening infections.