We all need immunizations (also called vaccines or shots) to help protect us from serious diseases. To help keep our local community safe, Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County Health Departments is proudly participating in National Immunization Awareness Month.

Shots can prevent infectious diseases like measles, diphtheria, and rubella. But people in the U.S. still die from these and other vaccine-preventable diseases. It’s important to know which shots you need and when to get them.

• You can find out if you are up-to-date on your shots by contacting your local Health Department location.  Click here to find the one closest to you.

Everyone over age 6 months needs a seasonal flu shot every year. Other shots work best when they are given at certain ages. Here are some general guidelines:

• Children need a series of shots from birth to age 6.
• Pre-teens need recommended shots at age 11 or 12.
• All adults need a tetanus booster shot every 10 years.