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Recognizing the critical importance of vaccinations for children in Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, Vaccinations have been a cornerstone of modern public health, preventing the spread of infectious diseases, eradicating smallpox, and significantly reducing cases of polio, measles, and other life-threatening illnesses over the past century; and
WHEREAS, According to the World Health Organization, vaccines save an estimated 4-5 million lives each year globally, and the expansion of immunization programs has prevented millions of cases of severe illness and disability in children worldwide; and
WHEREAS, Routine childhood immunizations, including the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine, and polio vaccine, are proven to reduce disease transmission, protect against severe outcomes, and ensure herd immunity, safeguarding the most vulnerable populations; and
WHEREAS, Data from UNICEF highlights that for every dollar spent on childhood immunizations, there is a $44 return on investment through reduced healthcare costs, less strain on remedial public health resources, and increased productivity; and
WHEREAS, Failure to maintain high vaccination rates risks reversing generations of progress in combating infectious diseases, threatening the health of not only individuals, families and communities, but the broader resilience of healthcare systems; and
WHEREAS, Misinformation surrounding vaccines has contributed to a resurgence of preventable diseases, including measles, which according to the World Health Organization, saw a 230% increase in cases worldwide in 2022 compared to the previous decade; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia, with its discrete challenges as the poorest big city in the country, faces a dire moment in the health of its public, as the City expects the lack of nationally institutionalized support as we endeavor to provide citizens with critical healthcare support in the coming years; and
WHEREAS, It is the ultimate responsibility of our City’s leadership to protect and defend the rights and freedoms of our citizens, including the right to modern, effective healthcare access and the freedom to lead a healthy, productive life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we reaffirm our unwavering support for vaccination programs as critical tools in safeguarding public health, particularly for children who rely on these interventions to protect against life-threatening diseases.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That we commit to addressing vaccine misinformation through evidence-based public health campaigns that emphasize transparency, accuracy, and the proven benefits of vaccines.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That we urge schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to strengthen outreach efforts to ensure equitable access to vaccinations for all children, particularly those in underserved communities.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That we call upon all of Philadelphia’s civic leadership and decision-makers to prioritize evidence-based, data driven policies that protect the health and safety of our communities, recognizing the essential role of vaccines in preventing disease, improving quality of life, and promoting societal well-being.
FINALLY RESOLVED, That we advocate for increased funding and support for immunization research, vaccine distribution, and community education, ensuring that public health infrastructure remains strong and capable of meeting future challenges.
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