The annual National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is April 24 – 30, 2022. Each year, NIIW celebrates the critical role vaccination plays in protecting the health of our children, families and communities. Following disruptions from COVID-19, this year we would like to remind parents of the importance of staying up to date with routinely recommended vaccines.
Parents want to protect their little ones from harm. Vaccinating their children according to the recommended immunization schedule gives them the best protection against 14 serious childhood illnesses, such as measles and whooping cough — before the age of 2.
Encourage parents to stay up to date on vaccines by ensuring that they haven’t missed any check-ups. Well-child visits are essential.
Parents can also review the 2021 easy-to-read immunization schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If they are pregnant, now is a great time to find a doctor and schedule a visit to discuss any questions about vaccines.
For more information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent, visit these helpful resources:
- The Ultimate Babyproofing Plan: Ultimate Babyproofing Plan: 6 Reasons to Follow CDC’s Immunization Schedule
- CDC’s vaccine website for parents and Infant Immunization FAQs
- CDC’s series of three 1-minute videos
- The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Healthy Children website