By: Lacy (Montana)

Each year, National Immunization Awareness Month serves as an important reminder of the role vaccines play in protecting individuals, families and communities from preventable diseases.

For generations, vaccines have helped reduce the spread of serious illnesses, allowing children to grow up healthier, adults to remain productive and older Americans to better protect themselves from severe illness. While many people may not think about vaccines every day, immunizations remain the most effective preventive health care tool available.

Vaccines do more than protect the individual receiving them. They also help safeguard those who may be especially vulnerable to illness, including infants, older adults, individuals living with chronic conditions, and those who are immunocompromised. Strong vaccination rates contribute to healthier communities and help reduce the burden on our health care system.

As families prepare for the back-to-school season, many will be scheduling annual checkups and ensuring they are up to date on recommended immunizations. This annual routine highlights the importance of maintaining access to vaccines for patients of all ages.

Access matters. Patients should be able to receive vaccines without unnecessary barriers and delays. As Congress considers health care priorities in the months ahead, lawmakers should continue supporting policies that protect access to vaccines while encouraging the development of new vaccines that can help prevent future disease. Ensuring patients can receive the immunizations they need is an investment in healthier families, stronger communities, and a healthier future for all Americans.