CA SR120

Designates August 2018 as National Immunization Awareness Month in California to increase public awareness of the importance of vaccinations for all Californians.

Urges California residents, state and local public health agencies, and health care practitioners to engage in immunization awareness activities and promote ACIP-recommended vaccinations.

Highlights that vaccine-preventable diseases cause 1.5 million deaths among children worldwide and 50,000 deaths among adults in the United States annually.

Notes that fewer than 75 percent of California adults 65 years and older are appropriately vaccinated against pneumonia and influenza, which are the fifth leading cause of death in that age group.

Recognizes that adult vaccination compliance remains below targets and that missed prevention opportunities contribute significantly to excess healthcare costs in the United States.