High immunization rates are essential to reduce the risk of outbreaks and prevent the resurgence of infectious diseases like measles, polio, and whooping cough. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decline in routine immunizations among children. This decline appears most pronounced among publicly-insured and uninsured children-putting these individuals, their families, and their communities at risk for disease. Children who do not have commercial insurance are eligible for free or low-cost vaccines through the federally funded Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Yet data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and others indicate a gap in immunization rates between children who are eligible to receive vaccines through the VFC program compared to those with private insurance. Through education and outreach, stakeholders must work together to address the disparity in childhood immunization rates.
Sample Social Media Graphics and Posts
Share on social media to increase awareness of the Vaccines For Children program (right click on each image to save to desktop):
- In the US, many children have fallen behind on recommended #vaccines. The #VaccinesForChildren program provides vaccines at no cost to uninsured and underinsured children: www.nfid.org/vfc
- #DYK: Childhood immunization rates declined broadly during #COVID-19 pandemic, but most significant drop was among those receiving #vaccines through the #VaccinesForChildren program? Learn more: www.nfid.org/vfc #GetVaccinated
- #VaccinesForChildren program helps protect the health of all children. Learn more about the essential federally funded program: www.nfid.org/vfc #GetVaccinated
- Addressing low routine #vaccination rates will require collaboration by all stakeholders, including advocates, HCPs, public health officials, parents, and policymakers. Learn more: www.nfid.org/vfc #VaccinesForChildren #GetVaccinated
Learn more about the Vaccines for Children program from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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