The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) urges all Georgians to protect infants from vaccine-preventable diseases by getting them vaccinated during National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) April 20-27.

Since 1994, NIIW provides an invaluable opportunity to remind parents and caregivers how important it is for children to be vaccinated. It is a call to action for parents, caregivers and healthcare providers to ensure infants are fully vaccinated against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases.

Districts throughout Georgia are promoting NIIW with a Special KidsDay where vaccines will be available without an appointment, along with other infant safety information such as car seats and home safety.

"Vaccination is one of the best ways parents can protect their infants from 14 serious childhood diseases before age 2," said Steven Mitchell, director of the Georgia Immunization Program. "Vaccinating your infant is the best way to protect them from serious illnesses like whooping cough and measles. We urge parents to speak with their doctor or healthcare provider and make sure their infant is up to date on their vaccinations."

In 2012, the U.S. saw an increase in the number of whooping cough cases being reported, which was 44,810, including 18 deaths. The majority of these deaths were among infants younger than 3 months of age. Similar to U.S. trends, Georgia saw an increase in whooping cough cases with 321 cases reported. However, Georgia had no pertussis-related deaths in 2012.

Vaccines are safe and effective. According to the CDC, the U.S. currently has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in its history. Vaccines are given to children only after long and careful review by scientists, doctors and healthcare professionals. The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for most children. Vaccination is the best way to protect others you care about from vaccine-preventable diseases. 

Young children rely on the champions in their lives to keep them safe and healthy. These champions may be parents who keep up with their child's vaccination schedule or doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals who share accurate, up-to-date information about vaccines with parents.

For more information on vaccinations, visit http://health.state.ga.us/programs/immunization. 

-Story by Penny Conner, Infectious Disease and Immunization Program