National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW)



April 23 - 30, 2011



National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is an annual celebration of the significant role immunizations play in keeping our children and our communities healthy. Immunization is one of the best ways parents can protect their infants and young children from potentially serious diseases. Check to see if your child is up to date on immunizations.

In our research for this article, we found many site on the Internet with excellent information to share, one of them is the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) (http://www.aap.org/).  We also noticed that nearly all the states, many counties, and major cities in the U.S. also have a web presence for Infant Immunization and special activates to celebrate this week.

When a baby is developing in the mother's womb it is in a sterile environment. The baby's immune system goes into action at birth, as the child confronts bacteria outside of the womb.

At the end of this article the "2011 Recommended Immunizations for Children from Birth through 6 years old."

According to the Recommended Immunization Schedule for Persons 0 — 6 years of age, children may receive up to 24 vaccinations to protect them from up to 14 diseases by the time they're 2 years of age.

Why Vaccinate?

Simply put, vaccines save lives. You have the power to protect your baby from dangerous illnesses like measles, tetanus and hepatitis. Being a parent is a big responsibility, and the best thing you can do for your child's health is to learn the facts so that you can make the best choices.

Preventing Disease

Vaccines have become essential tools in preventing previously devastating, widespread disease by significantly reducing childhood infection rates.

Protecting Public Health

When the children in your community are vaccinated, they aren't the only ones who are protected. They're also doing their part to keep your child healthy and to help stop the spread of disease in your community.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Active vaccination programs have helped to reduce, or in some cases virtually eliminate, the threat of some of the most dangerous childhood diseases.