Avelar Highlights How Vaccines are Vital During National Immunization Awareness Month

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. – As Illinois continues its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, is highlighting how vaccines are vital to help prevent severe illness as part of National Immunization Awareness Month.

“Vaccines are vital to ensuring we are all protected against serious, preventable diseases,” Avelar said. “National Immunization Awareness Month is a time for all of us to understand that together, we have the power to protect against vaccine-preventable diseases and keep our friends, family and neighbors healthy and safe.”

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an annual observance to highlight how vaccines are vital throughout life in order to help prevent severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. According to the  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), over 40,000 Americans die each year from vaccine-preventable diseases. By following a regular vaccination schedule starting in childhood, HHS data shows that safe and effective vaccination saves 33,000 lives, prevents 14 million instances of disease, and reduces health care costs by over $43 billion per year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends parents speak with a doctor or medical professional about necessary vaccines during pregnancy and childhood and that all adults speak with a doctor about vaccines missed during childhood and the possibility of needing revaccination, depending on risk factors including job, travel, or health conditions. At cdc.gov/vaccines, Illinoisans can find information from medical professionals on vaccine recommendations, schedules, and ingredients.

Vaccines for COVID-19 reduce the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus, are safe and effective at preventing severe illness and death and help people resume activities they did prior to the pandemic according to the CDC. Illinoisans can access information about COVID-19 vaccines, including on development, clinical trials, manufacturing and safety, at cdc.gov/covid19. COVID-19 vaccines are available free of charge. Residents can find vaccine providers through CDC portals at vaccines.gov, by calling 1-800-232-0233 or texting their zip code to 438829.

“We can keep ourselves and our community healthy through the use of safe and effective vaccines, especially for serious illnesses that are preventable through vaccination,” Avelar said. “For anyone who is hesitant about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine or any other vaccine, I recommend speaking with a trusted medical professional and visiting cdc.gov to learn about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.”