Vaccinations are an essential evidence-based component of preventive healthcare. While many people associate vaccines with childhood, adult vaccinations are equally important for maintaining good health and protecting against preventable diseases.  

Unfortunately, vaccination rates have been steadily declining, and we are now significantly short of Healthy People 2030 goals. Current estimates show that only one in five adults is up to date on their recommended immunizations. 

Systemic inequities, further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have resulted in poorer health outcomes and a disproportionate burden of vaccine-preventable diseases in racial and ethnic minoritized and/or under-resourced communities. 

Historically justified mistrust and mistreatment in medical institutions, language access, misinformation, inequitable distribution of vaccines, language and cost barriers, are just some of the factors that contribute to vaccine hesitancy and access. 

In the U.S. alone, adult vaccine-preventable diseases account for 8-10 million disease cases and 50,000 deaths annually, resulting in societal costs of nearly $34.9 billion.  Now more than ever, it is critical that our efforts to improve vaccine behaviors, intentions, and uptake, address the intersectionality of the social determinants of health and access issues that worsen poor health outcomes, particularly among racial and ethnic minority communities. 

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