As summer winds down and families prepare for the back-to-school season, it’s important to revisit the role that each of us plays in upholding the health of our communities. With the return of fall viruses — from the flu to COVID-19 and more — vaccines remain one of our strongest tools to stay protected. But recent trends are cause for concern. Childhood vaccination rates are dropping, and confusion around new policy changes may create additional barriers to access. Amid this uncertainty, women have made their position clear: vaccines matter.
According to the Alliance for Women’s Health & Prevention (AWHP)’s latest survey data, women overwhelmingly support vaccines and recognize their role in protecting both their families and communities.
Michelle D. Fiscus, MD, FAAP, Chief Medical Officer of the Association of Immunization Managers (AIM), emphasized the benefits of vaccines for children and those around them: “Getting children vaccinated as they head back to school is more than just a routine, it helps keep life on track for children, parents, and caregivers alike. Missing vaccinations can mean missed school days, disrupted routines, or even serious illness in people you care about. Vaccines safeguard entire communities by preventing outbreaks and keeping us all safe.”
Experts also recognize the need to advocate for policies that promote and protect women’s health.
“Vaccines are an essential part of women’s health, offering very safe and effective protection across all stages of life — from pregnancy and caregiving to managing chronic conditions. Ensuring women have access to recommended immunizations needs to be a policy priority and requires sustained investment,” said Millicent Gorham, CEO of the Alliance Women’s Health & Prevention (AWHP). “Prevention is foundational to a strong public health infrastructure, and now more than ever, we need to ensure that all women have access to timely immunization information and resources.”
Women Want Accessible, Affordable Vaccines
A staggering 92% of women agree that vaccines should be made available to everyone who wants them and should receive adequate insurance coverage.
Allison Hill, PharmD, Director, Professional Affairs for the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), highlights how pharmacies play a key role in ensuring vaccines are accessible. She explained: “Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect ourselves and our families. For busy women who often handle key health decisions for their households, pharmacies offer an accessible, convenient place for timely immunizations. I encourage everyone to talk to their healthcare providers to learn which vaccines they need and are right for them. As pharmacists, we’re here to provide guidance, answer questions, and support families every step of the way.”
In an era where misinformation remains prevalent and policy shifts can create confusion, this strong consensus underscores the ongoing need for to ensure equitable vaccine access across our communities.
According to Eileen Barrett, MD, MPH, MACP, FAMWA, President of the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA), “As a physician and advocate for children’s wellbeing, I know how critical vaccines are. They are safe, effective, and among the most powerful tools we have to protect kids — especially as they head back to school. Amid widespread vaccine misinformation, it is essential to stay informed through trusted medical sources such as the American Academy of Pediatrics. Keeping up with routine immunizations protects not only your child but also those around them who may be medically at higher risk for serious outcomes. Now is the perfect time to connect with your child’s doctor and make sure they are up to date.”
Trusted Providers Drive Vaccine Confidence
The data also highlights the critical role healthcare providers play. 81% of women say they would get a vaccine if it were recommended by their provider, and 89% of women feel comfortable discussing vaccine concerns during a medical visit. These numbers reinforce the importance of building trust and open communication in patient-provider relationships.
Individual Choices Impact Community Health
Women also recognize the broader public health benefits of vaccination. 85% of women believe vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. And nearly 9 in 10 women (89%) agree that getting vaccinated helps protect others by reducing the spread of disease — a powerful reminder that our individual choices can safeguard entire communities.
Ensuring that both mothers and children have access to vaccines goes hand in hand. Erin Jones, Senior Director of Legislative and Strategic Counsel at the March of Dimes, emphasizes this point: “Every child deserves the strongest possible start to life, and that begins with ensuring that mothers have access to vaccines, which are the safest and most effective tool we have to prevent infectious diseases. Preventive care — including flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines and other recommended vaccinations during pregnancy — protects both mothers and babies from illnesses that can disrupt their growth and development. Prioritizing access to immunizations and reliable information is essential so families can make informed decisions.”
As we navigate the start of a new school year and an upcoming cold and flu season, let’s not lose sight of what works. Vaccines are very safe and effective, and they’re widely supported by the very people who often carry the health of families and communities on their shoulders — women. Whether you’re scheduling back-to-school checkups or your own preventive care appointments, talk to your healthcare provider about staying up to date on recommended vaccines. Protect yourself. Protect your loved ones. Let’s keep our communities strong and healthy, together.