As National Immunization Awareness Month begins this August, public health experts are urging Americans to review their vaccination status amid ongoing concerns about declining immunization rates and widening health disparities. While vaccines remain one of the most effective tools for preventing serious infectious diseases, longstanding barriers to healthcare continue to leave many Black, Hispanic, Indigenous peoples of America, Alaska Native, and other underserved communities at greater risk of vaccine-preventable illnesses.

The observance comes at a time when health officials are working to reverse setbacks in routine immunizations that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), routine childhood vaccination coverage has not fully recovered in several populations, particularly among children living in poverty, those covered by Medicaid, and racial and ethnic minority groups. These disparities existed before the pandemic and continue to affect communities that already experience higher rates of chronic disease and reduced access to healthcare. Vaccination has transformed public health by preventing diseases such as measles, whooping cough, polio, influenza, hepatitis B, and shingles. Yet protection depends not only on the availability of vaccines but also on equitable access to healthcare providers, insurance coverage, transportation, accurate information, and trusted relationships with the medical system.

The CDC defines vaccine access as ensuring that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to receive recommended vaccinations regardless of race, ethnicity, income, language, or where they live. However, achieving that goal remains challenging because many social and structural factors continue to influence vaccination rates. Limited access to primary care, fewer nearby pharmacies or clinics, transportation difficulties, inflexible work schedules, language barriers, and the lasting effects of historical discrimination in healthcare all contribute to lower vaccination coverage in some communities. Misinformation circulating online has also complicated efforts to improve vaccine confidence. Research published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report has repeatedly documented racial and ethnic differences in vaccination coverage. While many disparities narrowed during portions of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, important gaps remained for booster doses and among certain populations, demonstrating that access alone does not eliminate inequities. Other CDC analyses have found lower coverage for several routine childhood vaccines among Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous peoples of America and Alaska Native children compared with White children, particularly for influenza vaccination and certain combination vaccine series.

Health access advocates say National Immunization Awareness Month is an opportunity not only to promote vaccines but also to encourage families to reconnect with preventive healthcare. Many adults are unaware they may need seasonal influenza vaccines, updated COVID-19 vaccines when recommended, tetanus boosters every 10 years, shingles vaccination after age 50, pneumococcal vaccines for older adults and those with certain medical conditions, or other vaccines based on age, occupation, travel, pregnancy, or chronic health conditions.

For children and adolescents, staying on schedule with routine immunizations remains especially important before returning to school. The CDC warns that falling behind can leave children vulnerable to diseases that had become uncommon in the United States because of decades of successful vaccination programs. Catch-up vaccination schedules allow children who missed recommended doses to regain protection safely. Public health experts recommend that individuals and families stay ahead of immunizations by scheduling annual wellness visits with a primary care provider, reviewing vaccination records before each school year, and asking pharmacists or healthcare professionals whether any recommended vaccines are due. Adults who have changed healthcare providers or cannot locate their vaccination records can often obtain assistance through their state’s immunization information system or healthcare provider. Parents should also speak with pediatricians if their children missed appointments during recent years, since many vaccines can be safely administered through catch-up schedules.

Experts also encourage families to seek vaccine information from trusted medical organizations rather than social media rumors. Discussing questions openly with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, or community health workers can help people make informed decisions based on scientific evidence. Many local health departments and federally funded programs also provide low-cost or no-cost vaccinations for eligible children and adults, helping reduce financial barriers that have historically limited access in underserved communities.

The CDC’s “Let’s RISE” initiative encourages healthcare providers to use reminder systems, review vaccination histories at every visit, offer strong vaccine recommendations, and partner with schools and community organizations to improve routine immunization coverage. The agency emphasizes that trusted local voices often play a critical role in helping families understand why vaccines remain an important part of preventive care.

As National Immunization Awareness Month shines a spotlight on preventive health, public health leaders say the goal extends beyond increasing vaccination numbers. Closing longstanding gaps in access, rebuilding trust, and ensuring every community has the opportunity to receive timely, recommended vaccines are essential steps toward reducing preventable illness and improving health outcomes for Black and Brown communities. With routine checkups, reliable information, and equitable access to care, families can take meaningful steps to stay protected throughout every stage of life.