New York State Department of Health Recognizes National Immunization Awareness Month

All New Yorkers are Encouraged to Stay Up to Date on Immunizations

Reminder for Parents and Guardians to Ensure Children's Vaccines Are Up to Date for the Back-To-School Season

Albany N.Y. (August 21, 2026) – The New York State Department of Health today announced that 16 landmarks across New York State will be illuminated in purple Friday, August 21, in recognition of National Immunization Awareness Month. The Department encourages New Yorkers to confirm that their children are up to date on vaccinations for the new school year. Adults should also make sure they are up to date with recommended immunizations.

"We are seeing an unprecedented amount of misinformation about vaccines, and the consequences are real, including the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "National Immunization Awareness Month is an important reminder that New York's school immunization requirements and vaccine recommendations are grounded in science. Vaccination remains the safest and most effective way to protect yourself, your family and your community from serious illness."

In May, Governor Hochul signed two bills to safeguard access to lifesaving vaccines for New Yorkers as the Trump administration attempted to undermine the scientific consensus around the safety and efficacy of immunization.

National Immunization Awareness Month is a time to highlight the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. Vaccines provide the best protection against severe illness. Routine childhood vaccinations have prevented more than 500 million illnesses, 30 million hospitalizations and 1 million deaths nationwide since 1994. The U.S. has the most effective vaccine supply in its history with systems in place that ensure vaccines are safe.

Children attending nursery schools, pre-kindergarten, grades K-12 and post-secondary schools must receive all doses of the required vaccines for their age and school year according to New York State Immunization Requirements for School Entrance/Attendance.

The Department also encourages New Yorkers to make a plan ahead of respiratory season to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) if eligible. Immunization is the best prevention against serious illness and death caused by these respiratory viruses.

Vaccines are covered under most private health insurance providers. Parents or guardians of children whose insurance does not cover vaccines can still get their children vaccinated. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program provides all recommended vaccines at no cost for children under age 19 who qualify.

NYS Vaccines for Adults program provides vaccines at no cost to eligible adults. Additionally, information on vaccine recommendations for international travel can be found here. Adults can find which vaccines they may need with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Adult Immunization Schedule.

The Department works closely with local health departments across the state to implement Immunization Action Plans that address local barriers to vaccination. These efforts focus on improving access to vaccinations, strengthening community partnerships, and supporting outreach and reminder activities to help increase vaccination rates. Local health departments with strong ties to local communities work in innovative ways to build confidence in vaccination.

Teddy Bear Clinics hosted by local health departments help children become more comfortable with medical visits by allowing them to bring a stuffed animal for a pretend exam and vaccination. The interactive clinics help demystify the vaccination experience and prepare children for their own appointments.

Find more information on New York's Immunization Laws and Regulations, here.

More information about county health departments is available here.

Landmarks to be lit in tribute include:

  • 1WTC
  • Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
  • Kosciuszko Bridge
  • The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
  • State Education Building
  • Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
  • Empire State Plaza
  • State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
  • Niagara Falls
  • The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
  • Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
  • Albany International Airport Gateway
  • MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
  • Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
  • Moynihan Train Hall
  • Roosevelt Island Lighthouse