1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

The strength of our nation lies in the health of our people. As a concerned citizen, I am writing to urge your support for robust vaccination programs that protect our national well-being. Recent trends showing a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases are deeply alarming and demand immediate action. Dr. Diane DiMaggio, a pediatrician with over 40 years of experience, has sounded a critical warning about the return of once-rare illnesses. She has witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of diseases like meningitis, epiglottitis, rotavirus, pertussis, measles, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These illnesses can lead to severe complications and even death, particularly in our most vulnerable population - our children. The success of vaccination programs in the past has ironically led to complacency. Many people today lack personal experience with these diseases, making it difficult for them to grasp the vital importance of vaccines. This lack of understanding, coupled with the spread of misinformation from unreliable sources, has eroded trust in medical professionals and vaccination efforts. While it's true that vaccines can have rare side effects, the overwhelming majority of vaccinations prevent life-threatening illnesses. The potential for a health catastrophe looms if current anti-vaccination trends continue unchecked. We must act now to prevent this impending crisis. I implore you to take decisive action to strengthen our vaccination programs. This includes increasing funding for public health education, supporting scientific research on vaccine efficacy and safety, and implementing policies that ensure widespread access to vaccines. By prioritizing these measures, we protect not just individual health, but our collective national strength. Our nation's security and prosperity depend on a healthy populace. Let us not allow preventable diseases to undermine the foundation of our society. I urge you to champion this cause and make vaccine advocacy a cornerstone of your health policy agenda. The lives of countless Americans - and the strength of our nation - hang in the balance.