National Immunization Month

"Community immunity is one of those things that is incredibly important but largely invisible.  We tend to notice it only when it begins to disappear." Dr Christine Arsnow

Each August, National Immunization Awareness Month offers an opportunity to recognize one of modern medicine's most effective public health tools- vaccines.  For decades, routine immunizations have dramatically reduced the burden of diseases that once caused widespread illness, disability and death.  While the success has made  many preventable diseases uncommon, it has also made it easy to forget how much communities actually benefit from strong, consistent immunization programs.

This year's observance of National Immunization Awareness Month comes after an active legislative session in New Hampshire, where lawmakers debated several bills related to childhood immunization requirements. NH HB 357 proposed limiting the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to update required childhood vaccinations through rulemaking, while NH HB 358 proposed simplifying the process for claiming religious exemptions from school immunization requirements.

Ultimately, NH HB 357 did not advance after being defeated in the senate, and NH HB 358 was vetoed by Governor Kelly Ayotte, meaning neither proposal became law.  Regardless of where state legislators stand on the issue, scientific evidence supporting routine childhood vaccination remains consistent and continues to assist in developing recommendations from public health and medical experts. 

Vaccination is ultimately about protecting and building our communities.  Infants, people receiving cancer treatment, individuals with certain medical conditions, and others who cannot receive vaccines rely on the immunity of those around them, as explained by Dr. Christine Arsnow: "A 4 month old is too young to receive the routine measles vaccine. Until they're old enough, their best protection is the immunity of the people around them." Maintaining high vaccination rates helps reduce the spread of disease and protects those who are the most vulnerable. 

Questions about vaccines are normal, and patients deserve clear, evidence-based answers.  The volume of information available online can be overwhelming, and not every source is reliable.  Open conversations with trusted healthcare professionals remain one of the best way to address concerns, as Dr. Pat Edwards says, "If parents read something that concerns them, I encourage them to bring it in so that we can look at the evidence together."

Healthcare decisions are strongest when they are informed by credible science and trusted medical expertise. Dr. Pat Edwards further reminds us, "Parents don't have to sort through vaccine information alone.  Trusted, evidence-based resources can help answer questions and support informed decisions."

This National Immunization Awareness Month, the New Hampshire Medical Society encourages its members to continue building trusting relationships with patients through open dialogue, compassionate listening, and evidence-based care. As Dr. Christine Arsnow reminds us, "Just as we all do our part to keep our communities clean, vaccination is one way we all help keep our communities healthy and safe."