Reaction from the field
The NYC Health Department has launched a new media campaign titled “Ask Questions, Get Answers, Vaccinate” to address alarming vaccination delays and disparities among children in the city. This initiative comes as approximately one-in-three two-year-olds in NYC have not received all doses of the seven recommended vaccines, raising concerns about public health and the potential for outbreaks of preventable diseases.
The campaign is designed to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of vaccinations, especially given that by kindergarten, over 90% of children in NYC have received the required vaccines. The NYC Health Department is investing $1 million in this four-week campaign, which will utilize various media platforms, including television, radio, and print, to reach a broad audience.
As of December 31, 2025, only 61% of two-year-olds in NYC had received all doses of the combined seven-vaccine series. This statistic highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and action. Notably, vaccination coverage varies significantly among different demographic groups; non-Hispanic Asian children have the highest coverage at 86%, while non-Hispanic White children have the lowest at just 46%.
Dr. Helen Arteaga emphasized the critical role of vaccines, stating, “The truth about childhood vaccines is that they save 4 million lives per year by presenting safe and viable solutions to some of the most severe public health issues.” This statement underscores the importance of the current campaign in mitigating health risks for children in the city.
Dr. Alister Martin also weighed in on the campaign’s significance, noting, “Vaccines have saved millions of lives and are one of the greatest public health achievements in history.” His remarks reflect a consensus among health professionals about the necessity of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect community health.
Additionally, Council Member Lynn Schulman highlighted the importance of accessible information for parents, stating, “It’s critical that parents know that they can turn to professionals for clear, evidence-based guidance.” She further asserted, “Every child in New York deserves to be protected from preventable diseases!” These sentiments resonate with the campaign’s goal of empowering families with knowledge about vaccinations.
Families planning to travel are also reminded to ensure their children have all necessary vaccinations, particularly as vaccination against flu is required to attend daycare in NYC. The NYC Health Department has created a dedicated webpage to provide answers to common vaccine questions, facilitating easier access to information for concerned parents.
Since 1994, childhood vaccination in the U.S. has prevented over 508 illnesses and saved 1.1 million lives, highlighting the long-term benefits of vaccination programs. As the campaign unfolds, further developments are anticipated, and health officials remain hopeful that increased awareness will lead to improved vaccination rates among NYC’s children. Details remain unconfirmed.