Utah governor declares August Immunization Awareness Month
Aug 12, 2025, 4:27 PM
FILE - Vials of the measles mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are displayed in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. (Julio Cortez/Associated Press)
(Julio Cortez/Associated Press)
SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Spencer Cox has proclaimed August as Immunization Awareness Month in Utah.
In the proclamation, Gov. Cox calls vaccination a “safe, proven and an invaluable tool for proactively safeguarding public health and preventing the devastating effects of vaccine-preventable diseases.”
The announcement came as good news to officials with the Utah Public Health Association, who said that recent pushback to vaccinations has been challenging.
“The more disinformation that gets out there about immunizations and vaccines, the less people are likely to get those required vaccines, which does lend itself to outbreaks,” said Carrie Butler with the Utah Public Health Association.
Immunization Awareness Declaration ’25 by Simone Seikaly
The governor’s proclamation also said that “vaccine-preventable diseases still pose a significant threat, particularly in populations with reduced immunity.” These populations include:
- The elderly
- Individuals with comorbidities and
- Immunocompromised individuals
It’s these people, the proclamation said, who are highly impacted by continued and timely vaccinations.
Butler echoed that sentiment, and said it’s important for children, adults and senior citizens to be up-to-date on their vaccines.
She said she hopes this declaration will encourage people who are on the fence about vaccinations to get them.
Related: Parents concerned over access to children’s vaccine program
