Legislative Update by Congressman Mike Ross
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
 
August 22, 2003
 
It’s that time of year again – time to pack up the kids after a long, hot summer and send them back to school.  That means it’s also the time to make sure their immunizations – and yours – are up to date.  

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, created to call attention to the importance of immunizing individuals of all ages as a way to prevent serious, life-threatening diseases. Vaccine-preventable diseases affect everyone regardless of age, race, gender or economic status. 

Unfortunately, many parents can't afford to pay for vaccines on their own.  When large groups of children go without vaccines, it leaves them unprotected and disease outbreaks can happen.  In 1993, Congress created the Vaccines for Children Program, aimed at helping families who cannot afford vaccinations.  Ask your doctor's office if they are part of the VFC program.  You can also get vaccines through the VFC program at your local health department or community health center.

Vaccines have been used since the 1700s and are one of the public health field's greatest successes.   But despite the effectiveness of these vaccines against potentially fatal illnesses, more than 30,000 adults who are not properly vaccinated still die each year from these preventable diseases.  Influenza and pneumonia combined are the fifth leading cause of death in older Americans.

I hope that patients, family and others in the community will take advantage of National Immunization Awareness Month to check their medical records and realize the importance of being up-to-date on their immunizations and the immunizations of their dependents, young and old.  As our country moves toward its future, it is important that we ensure that Americans do not fall victim to avoidable diseases and illnesses. 

You can find more information on immunization and the Vaccines for Children Program by visiting my website, www.house.gov/ross.


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