Respiratory Illness Campaign

CAMPAIGN SPOTLIGHT

Mamá Protectora

Mamá Protectora positions mothers as trusted health advocates within their families through culturally tailored messaging that empowers them to make informed vaccine decisions.

Materials coming soon this season

In the meantime, explore:

Know the Signs of Serious RSV

A parent-facing flyer on recognizing RSV symptoms in babies and starting a conversation with their doctor.

RSV Preventive Antibody Card

A quick-reference card on how preventive antibodies help protect infants during their first RSV season.

KEY DATES

Protecting Every Generation

Following the key awareness moments that reach families when it matters most.

DEC 6–12

National Influenza Vaccination Week

APRIL 2027

National Infant Immunization Week

REAL STORIES

Voices That Matter

Real stories from physicians and families on the front lines of respiratory illness prevention.

Mother and daughter

"Before the polio vaccine became available, my mother-in-law remembers being sent to upstate NY to stay with relatives. The idea was to stay away from the city and exposure to other kids. Polio could strike without warning and indiscriminately. She remembers a kid on the block who was stricken and they never saw him again. When the vaccine came out, her parents wasted no time in getting it to all of the children. As a physician, I have cared for post-polio survivors and the challenges they have been through for so many years. For most, they are grateful to still be alive as they recall others who did not make it or who had more profound complications. Prevention is much more effective than having to treat disease after it starts. Immunizations/vaccines changed the world. Now, as there is more hesitancy and discussion about not using these life-saving vaccines, it saddens me. Recently, my husband went to get a COVID vaccine. He is also a physician but not yet 65. He was refused the vaccine as he did not 'meet the criteria.' He has seen firsthand how devastating COVID has been and worked to develop the testing for it as well as the vaccine, and now to be told he could not receive it, it was a blow."

Dr. Theresa Rohr-Kirchgraber, Georgia

"Having to learn to recognize diseases we had already eliminated has been highly conflicting, both professionally and personally. Our jobs in pediatrics and public health are about keeping kids healthy first and foremost, and though the majority of families choose vaccinations, some don't. Any illness or death from measles, whooping cough, even influenza that could have been prevented, and the lack of trust in evidence-based science, recommendations, and us, who are here for families, is a horror story that is causing harm at many levels. We are here to support families in making informed, beneficial health choices and help them realize that the science hasn't changed. Vaccinations work and are among the best options we support, recommend, and apply, even for our own kids."

Dr. Jose Cucalon Calderon, Nevada

TRUSTED MESSENGERS

What the National Immunization Advisory Committee Does

The National Immunization Advisory Committee (NIAC) is a national panel of physicians and public health leaders who guide NHMA's vaccine education efforts. They meet to discuss emerging concerns and community needs, and they review and shape the bilingual materials shared with families and providers, so the information you see reflects real clinical expertise.

Meet the Members →

POLICY & ADVOCACY

Advocating for Equitable Vaccine Access

NHMA works to protect and expand access to lifesaving vaccines for Latino communities across the country.

Speaking Up

NHMA engages directly with legislators and signs onto letters and statements supporting policies that protect vaccine access.

Working Together

NHMA partners with national immunization coalitions to strengthen the case for equitable access.

Staying Informed

NHMA tracks federal and state vaccine policy developments that affect our communities.

Getting Involved

Members and community partners can join NHMA's advocacy efforts to help protect access to care.

View Our Policy Tracker →

FEATURED PARTNERSHIP

Kaden Blaze, Flu Fighter

NHMA teamed up with Families Fighting Flu (FFF) to provide a Spanish translation of Kaden Blaze, Flu Fighter, a comic book that tells the true story of Kaden Stephenson, a 10-year-old Michigan boy who lost both of his legs due to complications from the flu.

The story highlights the importance of timely vaccination against the flu and other preventable illnesses, including RSV and COVID-19.

Comic Book Preview

Read a preview of Kaden's story in English or Spanish.

Flu Fact Sheet

A free, downloadable fact sheet on flu risks and prevention for families.

Get the Comic Book →

Protect your family this season. Talk to your doctor about the vaccines that are right for you.

Proteja a su familia esta temporada. Hable con su médico sobre las vacunas adecuadas para usted.