WHEREAS, COVID-19 infection and other vaccine-preventable illnesses still pose a health risk to people of all ages, it is more important than ever to ensure that all North Carolinians are protected from all vaccine-preventable diseases; and
WHEREAS, National Immunization Awareness Month highlights the importance of fighting against infectious diseases using vaccines, which the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention declared one of the top ten public health accomplishments of the 20th century; and
WHEREAS, the continued immunization efforts of parents, families, health care providers, public health systems, institutions, and others has significantly reduced the threat of many infectious diseases; and
WHEREAS, people need to receive immunizations throughout their lives for healthy individuals and communities; and
WHEREAS, pregnant women in particular need to make sure they receive all the necessary vaccines to protect their own health as well as the health of their infants, because vaccination can protect babies up to six months after birth while they are too young to receive vaccines themselves; and
WHEREAS, vaccines are demonstrated to be an exceptionally safe method of preventing disease, as they are thoroughly tested before licensing and carefully monitored to ensure safety; and
WHEREAS, vaccines are a highly cost-effective way to prevent disease, as they are protecting not only individuals but entire communities by reducing and preventing the spread of infectious diseases;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim August 2022, as “IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.