August proclaimed Immunization Awareness Month

ImmunizeTN recently announced that Gov. Bill Lee has declared August as Immunization Awareness Month in Tennessee.

As a result of COVID-19, many children are not seeing their healthcare providers for annual checkups or routine immunizations according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Immunization rates have fallen dramatically in Tennessee and across the United States.

“During this unprecedented time when everyone is focused on staying healthy, it is important to remember that immunizations are critical, not just for infants and children, but for everyone,” Dr. Dorothy Sinard, a pediatrician and co-chair of ImmunizeTN, said.

Maintaining and reinitiating routine vaccinations are both essential for protecting students, teachers, and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases and outbreaks. Immunizations are one of the greatest public health interventions in modern times, second only to clean water.

“Please talk to your doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional to ensure everyone in your family is up to date on recommended vaccines,” Sinard said. “You have the power to protect yourself, your family and your community.