We’re recognizing National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) this week at Carthage Area Hospital and Carthage Family Health Pediatrics. During a time when there is, sadly, much debate among some parents as to the need to vaccinate children, the week of April 16–23 is dedicated to highlighting the importance of vaccinating infants from preventable diseases while celebrating the contributions immunization programs have made in keeping citizens healthy.
History of NIIW
NIIW was first recognized in 1994, and every year since, local and national health departments, health care providers and family physicians, immunization partners, and even organizations like the Center for Disease Control and Prevention have come together to promote immunization among infants and children under age two. This year, NIIW will be recognized as part of World Immunization Week, an initiative spearheaded by the World Health Organization to promote healthy, disease-free living worldwide.
National Infant Immunization Week’s Efforts
NIIW is more than an opportunity for your family physician to educate parents on the importance of vaccinating their children—it’s an opportunity to raise awareness of the positive effects of vaccinations on societies worldwide. While some parents falsely believe that immunizations cause harm to children exposed to the vaccine, NIIW combats that stance by highlighting the dangers of diseases that were once, or could be, eradicated with vaccines. During this week, family physicians and national health care organizations alike collaborate to encourage parents to protect their children with vaccinations and to remind them of the importance of keeping up with their children’s immunizations to give them the healthiest lives possible. Parents are also encouraged to visit their family physician or, if applicable, another local facility that offers no-cost immunizations to low-income families.
Carthage Family Health Pediatrics Supports Healthy Children
Carthage Family Health Pediatrics promotes immunizing children from preventable diseases and encourages parents to keep up with their children’s immunization schedules from birth. Our staff, to recognize NIIW week, will spread awareness about the importance of immunizations not just in keeping children healthy, but also in keeping our entire society free of preventable diseases.
For more information on vaccines, contact your family physician or call Carthage Area Hospital or Carthage Pediatric Clinic to make an appointment for your child.