New York (WRGB) -- The New York State Department of Health has launched a new public awareness campaign titled "Immunization is Protection" to emphasize the importance of vaccines in safeguarding children from preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, and polio. The campaign includes three video advertisements that will be broadcast on television and online platforms, featuring State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. Dr. McDonald said,

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. 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.

The Department of Health is utilizing various media outlets to disseminate the campaign, including television, streaming platforms, radio, social media, and digital billboards. This initiative comes in response to rising vaccine hesitancy and declining vaccination rates.

Recently, the Department reported three new measles cases in New York State among children under 5 years old who had traveled internationally and reside in Orange County.

New York State Department of Health urges parents and guardians to consult with their child's pediatrician to ensure vaccinations are current.