National Infant Immunization Week Observed April 21-28

This week is National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), an annual observance highlighting the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and celebrating the achievements of immunization programs in promoting healthy communities throughout the United States.

“Since 1994, local and state health departments, national immunization partners, healthcare professionals, community leaders from across the United States, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have worked together through NIIW to highlight the positive impact of vaccination on the lives of infants and children, and to call attention to immunization achievements,” said Cindy Mankamyer, RN, Garrett County Health Department.

NIIW provided an opportunity to draw attention to these issues and to focus on solutions. Communities have continued to use the week each year to raise awareness about the importance of ensuring all children are fully protected from vaccine preventable diseases through immunization. Today, many immunization programs, partners and communities can celebrate high infant immunization rates.

CDC reports that vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available 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. Among children born during 1994-2016, vaccination will prevent an estimated 381 million illnesses, 24.5 million hospitalizations, and 855,000 deaths over the course of their lifetimes.

“Immunization is a shared responsibility,” Mankamyer added. “Families, healthcare professionals, and public health officials need to work together to help protect the entire community. Most, if not all, Garrett County health care providers who see children offer vaccines through the Vaccines For Children (VFC) program. VFC vaccine is also available at the health department for qualified children.” VCF is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of inability to pay.

“The VCF program helps children get their vaccines according to the recommended immunization schedule,” said Mankamyer. “It has helped increase childhood immunization coverage levels, making a significant contribution to the elimination of disparities in vaccination coverage among young children.”

According to the CDC, 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,” said Mankamyer. “We encourage parents to talk to their child’s doctor to ensure that their baby is up-to-date on immunizations, or call the Garrett County Health Department for assistance.”

For more information about child vaccinations call the Health Department at 301-334-7770.

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department