This week is National Infant Immunization Week and the time to get those immunization appointments scheduled. Staying on track with your child’s vaccinations is an important step in keeping your kids healthy.
Vaccinations/immunizations play a vital role in protecting the health of our children and families — and this year we’re reminding parents of the importance of staying up to date with routinely recommended vaccines following disruptions from COVID-19.
As a parent, you want to protect your little one from harm. Vaccinating your child according to the recommended immunization schedule gives him or her the best protection against 14 serious childhood illnesses — like measles and whooping cough — before the age of 2.
Hamilton Community Health Network encourages you to make sure your child is up to date on vaccines by ensuring that they haven’t missed any check-ups or well-child visits.
If you are not sure what your child is due for, you can review the 2021 easy-to-read immunization schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many families missed well-child visits over the last few years, so be sure to get yourself and your children in soon to get caught up on any healthcare procedures you may need.
Remember, if you’re expecting now is the time to find a doctor for your baby and schedule a visit to discuss any questions you have about vaccines. The first visit with baby happens many times while you’re both still in the hospital.
For more information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent, visit these resources:
- The 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 Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, which provides free vaccines to children who qualify
- The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Healthy Children website
- Vaccinate Your Family
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center
If you have questions about vaccines, talk to your child’s doctor.
