Help Children in Developing Countries Reach Their 5th Birthday

Every 20 seconds, a child dies from a vaccine-preventable disease.

Immunization is one of the world's biggest public health success stories. Yet, 1 in 5 children still lacks access to the life-saving immunizations that keep children in the U.S. healthy.  By increasing access to vaccines, we can save millions of children's lives.

We know that vaccines work and that they have helped save the lives of millions of children.   Thanks to immunization efforts the world is nearly polio-free, and measles deaths between 2000 and 2012 dropped by 78%. However, until these diseases are completely eliminated, our job is not done.  We need your help. You can make sure funding for these life-saving programs continues by voicing your support.

Congress plays a key role in ensuring that children in developing countries have access to life-saving vaccines. Every year, Congress funds life-saving global immunization programs, ensuring vaccines reach the children who need them the most. But in order for this support to continue, your representatives need to hear from you!

Tell Congress that you support global childhood vaccine programs by sending a letter to your elected officials now!
Dear [Representative],

As you and your colleagues in Congress consider FY 2016 budget and Appropriations bills, I urge you to fully fund global vaccine and immunization programs. As someone who is dedicated to ensuring that life-saving vaccines are provided to the children who need them the most, I hope that you will find a way to make this a priority in this budget.

Saving lives and maximizing efficiencies in investments requires that all elements of the U.S. funded global health programs are strong. Programs that ensure the health of mothers and children around the world are some of the best investments the U.S. can make; and global immunization programs are a critical piece of this.

Therefore, as the appropriations process moves through Congress, I ask you to support:
  • $168 million for the polio eradication efforts in the FY 2016 Labor, Health and Human Services appropriations bill;

  • $49 million for the efforts against measles and other vaccine preventable diseases in the FY 2016 Labor, Health and Human Services appropriations bill;

  • $59 million for the polio eradication efforts of USAID in the FY 2016 State, Foreign Operations appropriations bill;

  • $132 million in voluntary contributions to UNICEF in the FY 2016 International Organizations and Programs Account in the State, Foreign Operations appropriations bill; and

  • $235 million for efforts of the GAVI Alliance in the FY 2016 State, Foreign Operations appropriations bill.


Vaccines are one of the most cost-effective ways to save lives, improve health and ensure long-term prosperity. These programs are critical to achieving those goals. With your continued support in Congress, we can save the life of a child every 20 seconds by providing vaccines to children in developing countries.

I am a supporter of Shot@Life, a campaign that connects and empowers Americans to champion vaccines as one of the most cost-effective ways to save the lives of children in developing countries.

[Your comments here]

I believe that every child deserves a shot at a healthy life, and that access to vaccines can give them that chance. I recognize that there are a lot of priorities competing for the attention of Congress, however, I believe this is a particularly important cause, and I ask you to lend your support by fully funding these programs as part of the Fiscal Year 2016 budget.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you on this issue. Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,
[Your name here]
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