Pages - MDH highlights the importance of back-to-school vaccines during National Immunization Awareness Month

August 1, 2023

Media Contact:

Chase Cook, Acting Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-8649

Maryland Department of Health highlights the importance of back-to-school vaccines during National Immunization Awareness Month

Baltimore, MD – Following Governor Wes Moore’s proclamation of August as Immunization Awareness Month in Maryland, the Maryland Department of Health has launched a social media campaign urging parents and caregivers to make sure their children are up to date on their back-to-school vaccinations. The campaign will take place across the Department’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.

“Our children deserve the best protection we can give them against preventable diseases, so we urge all parents to keep their children updated on their vaccinations, especially those required for school enrollment,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Laura Hererra Scott. “We want to start the new school year with every child healthy, happy and ready to learn.”

The campaign features videos of trusted Maryland pediatricians and pharmacists, as well as graphics and helpful resources highlighting the importance of back-to-school vaccinations for children and adolescents.

National Immunization Awareness Month video

“Parents no longer worry about measles or polio, or a dozen other diseases which used to be prevalent in our society, because of vaccines,” said Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman. “We have also made it through the pandemic, in part because of the protection we received and continue to receive from COVID vaccines.”

Childhood vaccines prevent approximately 4 million deaths worldwide annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition to immunizations that infants and young children receive, important protection is also provided against HPV and meningitis through vaccines available for adolescents.

Maryland maintains specific vaccination requirements for participation in child care and public schools. For more information about back-to-school vaccinations, visit health.maryland.gov/immunization. To find a local vaccination clinic near you, visit health.maryland.gov/vaccines.

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The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement.