Get Vaccinated During National Immunization Awareness Month

This August, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) is recognizing National Immunization Awareness Month and encouraging you to get vaccinated to protect yourself and your loved ones.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination rates for preventable diseases like pnemococcal pneumonia, flu, and hepatitis B have declined, putting communities at an increased risk. Minority communities and underserved populations are in particular disproportionately affected when it comes to receiving recommended vaccines like those that protect against pnemococcal pneumonia, flu, and hepatitis B. Many factors can contribute to lower vaccination rates, including access to care and coverage; the likelihood that providers recommend vaccinations; and concerns about vaccinations, including vaccine safety.

During National Immunization Awareness Month, CMS OMH is encouraging minority and underserved people to stay up-to-date on routine vaccines and get vaccinated. With the flu season getting closer and the country continuing to combat COVID-19, we’re calling on providers and communities to help us share resources that may help high-risk individuals learn about the benefits of vaccines and talk to their providers about necessary vaccinations.

Resources

Below are resources you can share with your community to help them learn more about the vaccinations that are available at no or low cost under most health coverage:

Connecting Kids to Coverage National Campaign