WHEREAS, National Immunization Awareness Month highlights the importance of vaccinations for individuals of all ages in preventing serious illness, reducing complications, and protecting communities from contagious diseases; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranks vaccination among the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century; and

WHEREAS, vaccination is a cornerstone of preventive healthcare, safeguarding the health of individuals and communities and strengthening the Commonwealth's public health infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, Student Immunization Survey (SIS) data reported by the Virginia Department of Health show that rates of adequately immunized children entering kindergarten in the Commonwealth of Virginia reflect significant geographic disparities; and

WHEREAS, improving routine vaccination rates among adults and children is essential to protecting communities from vaccine-preventable diseases and preventing outbreaks, including recent measles cases and related hospitalizations across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, in the 33 years since the creation of the Vaccines for Children program by Congress, childhood vaccinations in the United States have prevented an estimated 508 million illnesses, 1.1 million deaths, and $2.7 trillion in societal costs; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia remains committed to increasing public awareness and promoting access to vaccinations to protect the health and well-being of all Virginians;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize August 2026 as IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.