Healthy Horizons: Vaccine insights from Arizona experts

Arizona’s new “Healthy Horizons” videos feature pediatricians sharing why vaccines matter as childhood immunization rates drop.

In response to declining childhood vaccination rates, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has unveiled an important new initiative called “Healthy Horizons.” This video series features passionate pediatricians from across the state sharing their expertise and insights about the crucial role of vaccines in protecting public health.

The campaign represents a collaborative effort between ADHS, the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AzAAP), and the Arizona Partnership for Immunization (TAPI) to provide reliable vaccine information directly from trusted healthcare providers.

“Vaccines are among the most critical public health innovations—comparable to clean drinking water,” said James Washington, CEO of TAPI, highlighting the fundamental importance of immunization programs.

Photo courtesy of CDC/Unsplash.

Why vaccines matter more than ever

Over the past 75 years, vaccines have dramatically reduced the incidence of dangerous diseases like tetanus, diphtheria, and rubella. Their effectiveness has been so remarkable that many of these once-common illnesses are now rarely seen. However, recent drops in vaccination rates threaten this progress and put communities at increased risk.

Statistics show that vaccines save approximately 42,000 lives annually in the United States alone. When more people in a community are vaccinated, it helps prevent disease outbreaks and protects vulnerable individuals who cannot receive vaccines themselves.

Anne Stafford, MA, CEO of AzAAP, emphasized the campaign’s significance: “Immunizations are a safe and effective way to protect children from disease. We are incredibly proud of the passion and dedication of these pediatricians, including AzAAP chapter leaders and members, and we know their stories will inspire and inform.”

Photo courtesy of Getty Images/Unsplash.

Accessing reliable vaccine information

The Healthy Horizons video series is now available for all Arizonans to view. These educational resources feature medical professionals discussing the science behind vaccines and addressing common questions about immunization safety and effectiveness.

Healthcare providers remain the most trusted source of vaccine information for parents. Through this initiative, ADHS aims to make expert knowledge more accessible while supporting informed decision-making about vaccination.

This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The Copper Courier staff.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.