April 24-30, 2023 is World Immunization Week and National Infant Immunization Week. The World Health Organization has selected this year’s theme as ‘The Big Catch-Up’ noting that we need to act now to catch-up the millions of children who missed out on vaccines during the pandemic, restore essential immunization coverage to at least 2019 levels and strengthen primary health care to deliver immunization.
“We want to highlight the importance of protecting infants and young children from vaccine-preventable diseases.” states Dr. Michael Faulk, Chief Medical Officer and Interim Public Health Director. “Unfortunately, COVID-19 caused many disruptions in care and, as a result, families have missed appointments. Let this week serve as a reminder to residents to contact their local physician’s office to stay on track for their children’s well-visits and routinely recommended vaccinations.”
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 serious childhood diseases, like whooping cough (pertussis) and measles.
Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. Vaccines help protect both individuals and communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
“Pediatric and adolescent vaccines are extremely safe and highly effective in preventing vaccine associated diseases in children.’ explains Dr. Tariq Khan, Chautauqua County Board of Health member and local pediatrician. ‘Parents should feel confident and comfortable in getting their children age appropriate vaccines as recommended by CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics”
To learn more about recommended vaccines for all ages and when they should be given visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/.
Residents are encouraged to check with their physician’s office to find out if their family is up to date. The Chautauqua County Health Department can also review vaccination records; simply call 866-604-4789. For more information on vaccines and vaccine preventable illnesses visit www.heathyCHQ.com.
