Arizona's public health authorities are pushing back with a new Healthy Horizons campaign to face declining childhood vaccination rates. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), this initiative is rolled out in partnership with the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AzAAP) and the Arizona Partnership for Immunization (TAPI). It features a series of videos with pediatricians across the state advocating for the importance of vaccines.
With diseases like tetanus, diphtheria, and rubella now a rarity thanks to vaccines, the campaign seeks to address the worrying trend of lower vaccination rates amongst children, which have been declining, putting more people at risk. Making their case through the Healthy Horizons series, various healthcare providers share personal accounts of why they stand behind vaccinations, aiming to sway parents making medical decisions for their children. After all, vaccinated communities tend to be healthier.
The Healthy Horizons campaign underlines the efficacy of vaccinations, often considered one of the greatest public health achievements of the last century. James Washington, CEO of TAPI, told the Arizona Department of Health Services, "Vaccines are among the most critical public health innovations—comparable to clean drinking water."
Trusted healthcare providers are crucial in the decision-making process for many parents when it comes to immunizations. "Immunizations are a safe and effective way to protect children from disease. We are incredibly proud of the passion and dedication of these pediatricians, including AzAAP chapter leaders and members, and we know their stories will inspire and inform," Anne Stafford, MA, AzAAP Chief Executive Officer, shared with the Arizona Department of Health Services. In the U.S., vaccines save an estimated 42,000 lives every year, representing a simple yet profound method for sustaining community health.
The ADHS, AzAAP, and TAPI encourage Arizona residents to tune into their video series and listen to the healthcare pros detail the ins and outs of vaccination benefits. The mission is to foster informed choices leading to healthier horizons for families and communities in Arizona.
