City health officials stand behind vaccines – an open letter

“As leaders of the nation’s largest local health departments, collectively serving nearly 50 million people across America’s cities, we are committed to providing our communities with every opportunity to support and improve health. 

“We are united behind a simple message: get vaccinated.

“Vaccines have eradicated devastating diseases and saved millions of lives. They keep classrooms safe and schools open. They allow children to spend time with friends and enjoy their favorite activities. They help parents and caregivers work to support their families. 

“Despite this extraordinary success, vaccination rates are declining in many parts of the United States, and deadly outbreaks of diseases like measles and polio are becoming more frequent. We are deeply troubled by the repeated false claims about vaccines from too many federal officials, which have contributed directly to these trends. We are equally concerned about recent changes to the recommended childhood and adult immunization schedules that unnecessarily limit access to vaccines. It is imperative that federal health leaders follow the lead of pediatricians and medical researchers and support vaccination to protect our children, families, and communities.  

“Nothing matters more to us than protecting the health of those we serve. With respiratory virus season rapidly approaching, we strongly encourage all Americans to tune out the political noise about vaccines. Instead, talk with your doctor and other trusted health care providers or public health officials about which vaccines are right for you and your loved ones. 

“Doing so can save many lives — including your own.”  

[Signed]

Raynard Washington, PhD, MPH, Director, Mecklenburg County Public Health, and Chair, Big Cities Health Coalition

Michelle Taylor, MD, DrPH, MPA, Commissioner of Health, Baltimore City Health Department, and Chair-Elect, Big Cities Health Coalition

David Margolius, MD, Director of Public Health, City of Cleveland, and Vice-Chair, Big Cities Health Coalition

Philip Huang, MD, MPH, Director and Health Authority, Dallas County Health and Human Services, and Past Chair, Big Cities Health Coalition

Mysheika Roberts, MD, MPH, Health Commissioner, Columbus Public Health, and Secretary, Big Cities Health Coalition

Kirsten Aird, MPH, Director, Multnomah County Public Health Division

Sanmi Areola, PhD, Director, Metro-Nashville Public Health Department

Theresa Tran Carapucci, MD, MBA, FACEP, Director, Houston Health Department

Theresa Cullen, MD, MS, Director, Pima County Health Department

Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health

Simbo Ige, MD, MPH, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Public Health

Claude A. Jacob, DrPH, MPH, Health Director, City of San Antonio, Metropolitan Health District

Marvia Jones, PhD, MPH, Director of Health, City of Kansas City, MO

Faisal Khan, MBBS, MPH, Director, Public Health–Seattle & King County

Cassius Lockett, PhD, MS, Health Officer, Southern Nevada Health District (Las Vegas)

Karin McGowan, MPA, Executive Director, Denver Department of Public Health and Environment

Connie S. Mendel, MPH, REHS, Chief Health Strategist, Louisville, KY

Michelle Morse, MD, MPH, Acting Commissioner, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Bisola Ojikutu, MD, MPH, FIDSA, Commissioner and Executive Director, Boston Public Health Commission

Denise Fair Razo, MBA, MPH, FACHE, Chief Public Health Officer, City of Detroit Health Department

Sarah L. Rudman, MD, MPH, Public Health Director and Health Officer, County of Santa Clara, California

Adrienne Sturrup, MPA, Director, Austin Public Heath

Kimi Watkins-Tartt, Director, Alameda County Public Health Department

Mike Totoraitis, PhD, Commissioner of Health, City of Milwaukee Health Department