by the Niagara County Department of Health
National Infant Immunization Week is April 26 to May 3.
This is an annual observance to highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable disease and to celebrate the achievements of immunization programs in promoting healthy communities throughout the U.S.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of National Infant Immunization Week. When National Infant Immunization Week was established in 1994, immunization programs were facing significant challenges as communities across the U.S. were seeing decreasing immunization rates among children. National Infant Immunization Week provides an opportunity to draw attention to these challenges and to focus energy on solutions. Communities have continued to use this week each year to raise awareness about the importance of ensuring that all children are fully protected from vaccine preventable diseases.
For the past 20 years, during the last week in April, hundreds of communities across the U.S. have joined those in countries around the world to celebrate the critical role vaccination plays in protecting the health of our children, families and communities.
Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective health tools available for preventing disease and death. They not only help protect vaccinated individuals, but also help to protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
Immunization is a shared responsibility. Families, health care professionals and public health officials must work together to help protect the entire community. The family doctor remains parents' most trusted source of information about vaccines for their children. Doctors play a critical role in supporting parents in understanding and choosing vaccinations.
Most parents choose the safe, proven protection of vaccines. 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. Parents are encouraged to talk to their child's doctor to ensure that their infant is up-to-date on immunizations.
The Niagara County Department of Health Immunization Program offers all the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended and required vaccines. No child should have to suffer or die from a vaccine preventable disease. Love them. Protect them. Immunize them. For more information about childhood immunizations or to schedule a clinic appointment, call 716-278-1903.