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National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW): Vaccinate on Time, Every Time
National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is an annual observance to highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases. NIIW will be recognized April 25 – May 2, 2020 and will be celebrated as part of World Immunization Week, an initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to CDC, among children born during 1994-2018, vaccination will prevent an estimated 419 million illnesses, 26.8 million hospitalizations and 936,000 deaths over the course of their lifetimes. Before children even reach the age of two years, immunizations can protect them from 14 vaccine-preventable diseases.
Unfortunately, immunization rates of Michigan children are not at the levels needed for optimal community protection. As of December 2019, only 59% of Michigan’s children 19 through 35 months of age were fully immunized with recommended vaccines, according to the Michigan Care Improvement Registry. This means that nearly half of Michigan toddlers are not fully protected against at least one potentially harmful disease.
Your strong provider recommendation is the number one predictor in whether a parent accepts vaccines for their child. Ensure children are vaccinated according to the routine recommended schedule to provide the best possible protection. NIIW is a helpful reminder to make sure we find innovative ways to protect these vulnerable children. For more information and to learn how you can promote NIIW, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/.