Sources: RLS Media
During National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), April 24 to 30, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is joining other healthcare organizations in highlighting the importance of protecting infants and young children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
A primary focus of NIIW is ensuring children are up-to-date on their routinely recommended vaccinations, especially since some vaccines may have been missed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID-19 has caused many disruptions in families’ lives – and in some cases, it has meant that children have missed or delayed their wellness checkups and vaccinations, which are a critical part of ensuring children stay healthy,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli.
“In addition to routine childhood vaccines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 5 years and older receive COVID-19 vaccination.
Getting your child vaccinated helps to protect your child and your family, including siblings who are not eligible for vaccination and family members who may be at risk of getting very sick if infected.”
NJDOH encourages providers, public health professionals, and individuals to participate in NIIW by talking about the importance of childhood immunization with families and through their websites and social media channels using the hashtag #ivax2protect.
The Department will continue to facilitate access to vaccines on behalf of residents and raise awareness about the importance of vaccinating children against serious diseases.
Protecting children through vaccination begins before birth. Pregnant women should receive the flu shot and Tdap (whooping cough) vaccines during each pregnancy. Pregnant women should get a dose of Tdap vaccine during the third trimester between 27 and 36 weeks, preferably during the earlier part of this period.
This will help protect babies from whooping cough until they can receive their first whooping cough vaccine at two months. People who are pregnant should also stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, including getting a COVID-19 booster shot when recommended to get one.
Most parents choose the safe, proven protection of vaccines. Giving babies the recommended vaccinations by age two is the best way to protect them from 14 serious childhood diseases, including whooping cough (pertussis) and measles.
For additional information about NIIW and vaccine-preventable diseases, visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/index.html and https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/vpdp.shtml.