Published: April 29, 2019
National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is April 27-May 4, 2019 and highlights the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases. It’s also an important reminder to parents that infectious diseases are still a threat to children of all ages and are preventable.
Milestones Reached
Vaccines have drastically reduced infant death and disability caused by preventable diseases in the United States. Several important milestones have been reached in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases among infants worldwide:
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Immunizations now protect infants and children from 14 infectious diseases before age two.
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In the 1950's, measles was almost as common as a cold. Today, many practicing physicians have never seen a case.
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Childhood immunizations save thousands of lives and billions of dollars.
It's easy to think of these as diseases of the past. But the truth is they still exist. Children in the United States can—and do—still get some of these diseases. Infectious diseases can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or even death, particularly for those with a weaker immune system.
At Western Health Advantage, keeping you and your family healthy is our top priority. Preventive care services such as well baby care and immunizations are part of your medical plan, at no additional cost to you! (Coverage for WHA services depends on eligibility at the time of the service.) Visit WHA’s online infant wellness section for more information.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists the Recommended Immunizations for Children from Birth through 6 Years Old.