National Infant Immunization Week is a yearly observance, highlighting the importance of protecting children two years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases. This year, NIIW is from April 22 - 29. During this time, and throughout the year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and Indian Health Service recommend that children stay on track with their well-child appointments and routine vaccinations. With diseases, like measles on the rise both globally and in the U.S., the opportunity to celebrate the power of preventing such illnesses through vaccination is timely. On-time vaccination is critical towards providing protection against potentially life-threatening diseases.
This year’s theme focuses on "You have the power to protect. Your recommendation matters." It is recognition of the trust that parents have of their health care provider’s recommendation for vaccination. By parents, elders, and providers engaging in vaccination conversations, and parents deciding to vaccinate, children are protected against potentially serious diseases like flu, pertussis, and hepatitis B.
Parents often have questions about the vaccines recommended for their children. This is a normal part of the health care engagement process. Questions should be welcomed! Health care providers, elders, and other community members can prepare for commonly asked questions by reading information on trusted websites.
The trust that parents and caregivers have in vaccines is built through the countless conversations they have with health care providers, clinic staff, and other trusted sources. Because of these conversations, the majority of parents choose the safe, proven protections of vaccines. National Infant Immunization Week provides an opportunity to encourage vaccine conversations at all community levels.
