Did you know that making sure your children get their required immunizations (shots) is one of the most important ways to protect them against serious diseases? Infants and children are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases. Therefore, it is essential that children be protected by getting all the immunizations that are recommended. National Infant Immunization Week is recognized during the week of April 22 – April 29, 2017.

Immunizations protect the individual and both families and communities. Children who are not immunized increase both their risk of disease, as well as the risk to others.  In the United States, we can protect children against fourteen (14) different diseases before the age of two.

This health observance helps to remind and encourage all parents to consult with their health care provider to ensure that their children are up-to-date on their shots. Health care professionals remain parents’ most trusted source of information about vaccines for their children. While there may be some risk from immunizations, the protections provided by them far outweigh the possible risks. Parents should contact their health care provider if they have specific questions about vaccine safety.

Take time during National Infant Immunization Week to contact your child’s health care provider to be certain your child is up-to-date on their immunizations.  For more information about vaccine preventable diseases and the importance of immunizations, contact your health care provider, the Onondaga County Health Department at 435-2000, or visit the CDC Immunization website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html .