National Infant Immunization Week
By Chrystal Johnson
(Madison County, NY – April 26, 2014) Parents strive to protect their infants in every way possible. No parent wants to see their child suffer from illness. One of the most important ways to fully protect infants from vaccine-preventable diseases is through immunization. Infants are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases, which is why it is critical that they receive the recommended vaccinations on time. Giving babies the recommended immunizations by age two is the best way to protect them from 14 serious childhood diseases, like whooping cough and measles.
The week of April 26 marks the 20th anniversary of National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), an annual observance to promote the benefits of immunization and to improve the health of children age two and younger.
Because of the success of vaccines in preventing disease, parents often are unaware that their children are at risk for so many serious and life-threatening diseases. Vaccine-preventable diseases still circulate in the United States and around the world, so continued vaccination is necessary to protect everyone from potential outbreaks. One example of the seriousness of vaccine-preventable diseases was the California whooping cough epidemic of 2010, resulting in the death of 10 infants. Nationally, more than 20,000 cases of the whooping cough were reported in 2010.
Immunization is extremely safe. Vaccines are thoroughly tested before being approved for public use and monitored carefully by doctors, researchers and public health officials. Vaccines are among the most successful ways for preventing disease and death. They not only help protect vaccinated individuals, but also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
Immunization is one of the best ways parents can protect their children against serious diseases. Talk to your child’s doctor to ensure that their infant is up-to-date on immunizations. Madison County Health Department offers low or no-cost immunizations to people of all ages. Call 315-366-2848 today for an appointment.
Chrystal Johnson is public health educator II for the Madison County Health Department.