National Infant Immunization Week
April 27- May 4, 2019
(BINGHAMTON, NY) - National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is an annual observance to highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and to celebrate the achievements of immunization programs in promoting healthy communities. This year NIIW will be held April 27- May 4, 2019. 2019 marks the 25th anniversary of NIIW.
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.
Most parents choose the safe, proven protection of vaccines. Years of testing are required before a vaccine can be approved and used. 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.
There can be mild side effects from vaccines; most commonly soreness or redness at the site of the shot along with slight fever and/ or fussiness for 1-2 days after vaccination. Serious complications are rare, and the benefits of the vaccines outweigh the risk of major problems.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to talk to their child’s healthcare provider to ensure that their baby is up-to-date on immunizations. Vaccine costs may be covered by your health insurance. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program 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 VFC program helps children get their vaccines according to the recommended immunization schedule. It has helped increase childhood immunization coverage levels, making a significant contribution to the elimination of disparities in vaccination coverage among young children. Call the Broome County Health Department at 607-778-2839 with questions about the VFC program or your child’s immunizations.
