This week is National Infant Immunization Week. This annual observance highlights the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and celebrates the achievements of immunizations. St. Clair County Health Department joins communities around the nation in celebration of the critical role vaccinations play in protecting the health of our children, families, and communities. When fully immunized, infants in the United States are protected against 14 preventable diseases. Vaccines are especially important for infants. Some of the diseases immunizations protect against can be dangerous for children under the age of two. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among children born during 1994–2018, vaccination will prevent an estimated 419 million illnesses, and 936,000 deaths over the course of their lifetimes. Diseases such as mumps, whooping cough and measles may seem like diseases of the past; however, counties in southeast Michigan have seen a spike in measles and mumps cases over the last few weeks. Both of these illnesses are highly contagious. Following your baby’s vaccination schedule and making sure they are up-to-date is the best way to protect them Parents/caregivers not certain of their children’s immunization status can contact the Health Department or their health care provider. For more information call (810) 987-5300. Follow us on social media @scchdmi. Additional information can be found at Vaccinateme.info or ivaccinate.org.
