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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING AUGUST AS NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS MONTH IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, the month of August is National Immunization Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, national immunization month calls attention to the importance of getting advised immunizations throughout your lifetime; and
WHEREAS, National Immunization Awareness Month was established by the National Public Health Information Coalition in 2013; and
WHEREAS, being vaccinated protects oneself and all those around them, including friends and family. Overlooking the need to be vaccinated puts everyone at risk, and is not only extremely dangerous, but can have life-changing effects without contracting the diseases that vaccines are made to prevent;
WHEREAS, a childhood vaccination is the process whereby a person is made immune or becomes resistant to certain infections or diseases. There are many common vaccinations used on children, such as Hepatitis B, Tetanus, whooping cough, measles, mumps, chicken pox, and influenza shots; and
WHEREAS, most students begin their school year in August the CDC urges parents and guardians that immunizations required for students are up to date; and
WHEREAS, the Illinois Department of public health states “Illinois requires students to have proof of immunization to enter school. If the form is not received by October 15th, the child will be excluded from school until they can prove they received the required immunizations unless the child has a valid medical or religious exemption.”; and
WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention In 2021, 4 million deaths worldwide are prevented by childhood vaccination every year in 2021, global immunization coverage for infants dropped to 81%, which is the lowest rate in over a decade; and
WHEREAS, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, 61.52% of youth residing in Cook County have administered at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine; and
WHEREAS, the Illinois Department of Public Health also issues for Covid-19 that the Illinois Population, 5 years old and above is 83.3%, with at least 1 dose administered. On the other hand, those who have completed the primary series totaling up to 75.4% five years old and above; and
WHEREAS, the Vaccines for Children program offers vaccines at no cost for eligible children through doctors enrolled in the program;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the 5.173 million residents of Cook County, acknowledge the importance of being vaccinated as it relates to Covid-19 and other infectious diseases, and works towards the active push for immunization for everybody; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we also aim to help people stay informed by keeping up to date with their shots and immunizations, and that a suitable copy of this resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and of those who stand witness to this resolution in recognition of National Immunization Awareness Month.
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