The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics note that April 24 – May 1, 2023 has been designated National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW).
National Infant Immunization Week is a yearly observance highlighting the importance of protecting children two years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). It’s also a time to showcase the achievements of immunization programs and their partners in promoting healthy communities.
This year, more than ever, we recognize the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our children and communities and the nation’s public health from serious childhood diseases. As opportunities for in-person learning and play grow, CDC recommends families check with their healthcare providers to make sure children are up to date on routinely recommended vaccines, following disruptions from COVID-19.
Each year NIIW lets local and state health departments join with national immunization partners, health care professionals, community leaders from across the United States, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to work together to highlight the positive impact of vaccination on the lives of infants and children, and to call attention to immunization achievements.
The Health Department staff notes that recently, several important milestones have been reached in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases among infants and adults worldwide. Vaccines have drastically reduced infant death and disability caused by preventable diseases in the United States. In addition:
* Through immunization, we can now protect infants and children from 14 vaccine-preventable diseases before age two.
* In the 1950's, nearly every child developed measles, and unfortunately, some even died from this serious disease. Today, many practicing physicians have never seen a case of measles.
* Routine childhood immunization in one birth cohort prevents about 20 million cases of disease and about 42,000 deaths. It also saves about $13.6 billion in direct costs.
* The National Immunization Survey has consistently shown that childhood immunization rates for vaccines routinely recommended for children remain at or near record levels.
Health Department & First Choice Healthcare officials note, "It's easy to think of these diseases as a thing of the past. But the truth is they still exist. Children in the United States can, and do, still get some of these diseases."
The Health Department and its First Choice Healthcare Clinics remind area residents that immunizations can be obtained through the First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Colona by appointment. For more information on their Immunization program call the Department at (309) 852-5272 (Kewanee) or 792-4011(Colona) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments and Follow Us on Twitter and Instagram.
