This year, National Infant Immunization Week is from April 22 to April 29 in the United States. Did you know that, in 2019, 14 million infants were not reached by vaccination services? National Infant Immunization Week is observed annually and highlights the need for protecting children of ages two years and under from vaccine-preventable diseases.
History of National Infant Immunization Week
Every year, National Infant Immunization Week is observed to protect small children from vaccine-preventable diseases. It is essential to make sure that the families stay on track with their children’s vaccination.
The first National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) was observed in 1994 with the support of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. NIIW was created to increase the profile of infant immunization programs in the United States.
Immunization saves millions of lives every year but, still, there are more than 19 million under-vaccinated people. National Infant Immunization Week promotes immunization programs and increases awareness thereof.
Before, children were not protected through immunizations, which put them at risk of fatal diseases. But today, children can be protected from 14 serious diseases. Yes, the shots might hurt a little but the diseases that they protect the infants from are much more dangerous. It is better to keep your children protected from infectious diseases.
National Infant Immunization Week timeline
Edward Jenner tests the first vaccine against smallpox — and it works.
The MMR vaccine is created to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella.
During this time, many vaccinations become available to prevent many diseases.
National Immunization Week is created to increase awareness about vaccinations for small children.
National Infant Immunization Week FAQs
What are the one-month shots?
According to the CDC, At 1 to 2 months, your baby should receive vaccines to protect them from the following diseases:
- Hepatitis B (HepB) (2nd dose)
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis) (DTaP) (1st dose)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b disease (Hib) (1st dose)
- Polio (IPV) (1st dose)
- Pneumococcal disease (PCV13) (1st dose)
- Rotavirus (RV) (1st dose)
What shots are newborns given at birth?
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: “The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that all newborns get the first HepB shot before leaving the hospital. If the mother has HBV, her baby should also get a HBIG shot within 12 hours of birth. The second HepB shot should be given one to two months after birth.”
Why is my baby so fussy after shots?
According to Immunize: “After vaccination, children may be fussy because of pain or fever. To reduce discomfort, you may want to give your child a medicine such as acetami n- ophen or ibuprofen.”
How to Observe National Infant Immunization Week
Post a National Infant Immunization Week banner on your website
You can observe this day by posting banners about Infant Immunization Week on websites to create awareness.
Promote positive messages about infant immunization on social media
Share positive messages that promote infant immunization on social media platforms.
Write articles about infant immunization
You can prepare articles about infant immunization and share the message in this way.
5 Interesting Facts About National Infant Immunization Week
Vaccines are highly effective
Childhood vaccines are 90% to 99% effective against diseases.
Many deadly diseases have been reduced
Many dangerous diseases that affect children have been reduced or eliminated completely due to immunization programs.
All vaccine-preventable diseases are extremely dangerous
The diseases that a child is vaccinated against can cause severe complications or even death regardless of whether they receive the best medical treatment or not.
The younger, the more effective
Babies react to vaccinations better — the younger they are the more effective are the vaccinations.
Vaccinations testing
All vaccinations are tested for safety — they must first prove to be safe and effective against the disease they are made for.
Why We Observe National Infant Immunization Week
Vaccines protect our children
All vaccinations protect our children from dangerous diseases like measles, rubella, and mumps.
The spread of disease results in economic and social costs
If diseases spread, they can result in increased costs, economically and socially. Vaccinations protect us from this.
This week promotes immunization programs
National Infant Immunization Week increases awareness of the importance of vaccinations around the country.
National Infant Immunization Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | April 24 | Sunday |
| 2023 | April 24 | Monday |
| 2024 | April 22 | Monday |
| 2025 | April 21 | Monday |
| 2026 | April 20 | Monday |
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