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A resolution recognizing August 2021 as “National Immunization Awareness Month” in Nashville and Davidson County.
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WHEREAS, August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), an annual observance to highlight the importance of disease prevention through vaccination across the lifespan; and
WHEREAS, vaccines are one of the most powerful and successful public health interventions at improving health and increasing life expectancy; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that vaccines still save between 2.5 and 3 million lives worldwide every year; and
WHEREAS, vaccines protect not only those who receive them, but also those who are too medically frail or otherwise unable to receive the vaccinations themselves; and
WHEREAS, vaccines have contributed to a significant reduction in many childhood infectious diseases such as diphtheria and measles, and some infectious diseases such as polio and smallpox, have been eliminated in the U.S. because of vaccines; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) calculates that vaccination of each U.S. birth cohort according to the current immunization schedule yields a net savings of nearly $14 billion in direct medical costs and $69 billion in total costs to society; and
WHEREAS, vaccination rates have dipped below optimum in some pockets of the United States, leading to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases and unnecessary suffering; and
WHEREAS, according to the CDC, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the U.S. health care system’s ability to provide routine preventative and other non-emergency care which also caused a decline in vaccinations in children under two years old; and
WHEREAS, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent rise in highly contagious variants, it is vital now more than ever to raise awareness and highlight the importance and effectiveness of vaccines; and
WHEREAS, the Metro Board of Health and the Metro Public Health Department have maintained consistent and strong vaccination outreach efforts to the citizens of Nashville since COVID-19 vaccines became available to the public; and
WHEREAS, their dedication and hard work has made it possible for 48% of all Nashville and Davidson County residents to become fully vaccinated against COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes the month of August as National Immunization Awareness Month and highlights the importance of vaccination for people of all ages in Nashville and Davidson County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing National Immunization Awareness Month, and further goes on record as reaffirming their support of the Metropolitan Board of Health’s immunization advocacy and efforts.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.