New York State Department of Health Launches “Immunization Is Protection” Public Awareness Campaign

Video Ads, Including Video Featuring State Health Commissioner Dr. McDonald, Appearing on Television and Streaming Online

Vaccines are Safest Way to Prevent Serious Illness or Death from Preventable Illnesses

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 14, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health has released a public awareness campaign, "Immunization is Protection," to spread awareness about safe and effective vaccines that protect and keep babies and children safe from preventable illnesses like measles, mumps, rubella and polio. The three video ads will air on television and online, including a video featuring Dr. McDonald.

"Immunization is your best protection in keeping yourself, your children, your loved ones, and your communities safe and healthy. Any loss of life due to an illness that's preventable with a safe and effective vaccine is a tragedy," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "I encourage everyone to get their information from reliable sources like your State and Local Health Departments and make a commitment to stay up to date on immunizations. Lives are depending on it."

Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements that prevent serious and often fatal diseases; they are the safest way to protect individuals by preparing their immune system to recognize and fight serious diseases.

The Department is airing the ads on television, streaming platforms and online. Additional campaign components will include broadcast radio, streaming radio, social media, search and digital billboards.

Misinformation about vaccines in recent years has contributed to a rise in vaccine hesitancy and declining vaccination rates. As a result, the Department has been monitoring the current measles outbreak in the United States and recently announced three additional cases in New York State among patients less than 5 years of age who recently traveled internationally and reside in Orange County. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can cause serious complications and even death.

More information on vaccines and immunizations can be found here.

Parents and guardians should check with their child's pediatrician to ensure they are up to date on childhood immunizations.

Children attending day care and pre-k through 12th grade in New York State must receive certain vaccinations. Learn more here.