National Infant Immunization Week reminds parents of the importance of keeping their child safe from diseases

OSWEGO, N.Y.—National Infant Immunization Week is being celebrated from April 27th until May 4th, on their 25th anniversary this year. Local and state health departments are promoting the positive impact of vaccinating infants during National Infant Immunization Week.

The campaign is used to promote the benefits of making sure your child is vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases—especially of children two years old or younger. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is also involved in promoting this campaign and says “rates for vaccines are close to record levels.”

“First of all it’s very important to vaccinate your child, because these diseases don’t have any specific medication the only way, we can get at the disease is to immunize,” said Dr. Young Kim, Pediatrician.

Concerns for vaccinations are rising due to a growing number of measles cases in the United States. According to the CDC, in 2014 the United States had one of their biggest measles outbreak with almost 667 cases. Most of these cases included victims who were not vaccinated.

 Pediatricians are advising more parents to make sure they get their children vaccinated from vaccine-preventable diseases like the measles.

“The measles is a disease, it can give serious complication, so it is very important to get immunized,” said Dr. Kim.

Parent of two infants, Cassie Para says each parent is different and it’s ultimately up to them.

“It’s their choice to vaccinate, but if you do the research, you’re better off vaccinating,” said Para.

As more children are getting vaccinated the CDC states, “Vaccines have drastically reduced infant death and disability caused by preventable diseases in the united states. Through immunization, they can now protect infants and children from 14 vaccine-preventable diseases before age two.”

If parents would like to get their child vaccinated, they can contact their child’s pediatrician to get more information.

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