Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam

WHEREAS, protecting Virginians from vaccine-preventable diseases is critical to ensuring our Commonwealth remains healthy and safe; and

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the importance of vaccines and their importance of protecting Virginians; and

WHEREAS, postponed vaccines could cause the reemergence of certain viruses and diseases and further exacerbate the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, vaccine-preventable diseases in Virginia affect people from all backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, until young children are fully immunized, they remain particularly vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases; and

WHEREAS, vaccines are proven to be an exceptionally safe method in preventing disease, as they are thoroughly tested before licensing and carefully monitored to ensure continued safety; and

WHEREAS, even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers across the state are working hard to ensure youth can still receive the wellness visits and immunizations they need; and

WHEREAS, all Virginians should receive their flu vaccine every year, and especially this year to help reduce flu activity in the Commonwealth and ease stress on the healthcare system as we simultaneously combat the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, Immunization Awareness Month is intended to increase public knowledge, acceptance, and use of vaccines, and encourage all vaccines to be administered, whether due or overdue, according to the recommended CDC immunization schedules; and

WHEREAS, Virginia strives to protect all its residents, both young and old, from preventable diseases;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ralph S. Northam, do hereby recognize August 2021 as IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.