National Infant Immunization Week is a yearly observance highlighting the importance of protecting children from 14 vaccine preventable diseases before the age of two. This year in particular the Iowa Department of Public Health is encouraging families stay on track for their children’s routine checkups and recommended vaccinations considering the disruptions that may have been caused with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“On-time vaccination is critical to provide protection against potentially life-threatening diseases,” shares John Vogel, D.O., Mayo Clinic Health System family medicine and obstetrics physician at Winneshiek Medical Center. “The recommended immunization schedule from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is designed to offer protection early in life when babies are most susceptible considering their immune systems are not fully developed.”
Although the number of vaccines a child needs in the first two years may seem like a lot, a healthy baby’s immune system can handle getting all vaccinations when they are recommended. Dr. Vogel shares, “Each vaccine has been studied to ensure it is given at the appropriate age to protect children from serious diseases. Scientific data shows us that getting vaccinations grouped together at the same visit is just as effective as they are when given individually.”
Getting the recommended vaccinations by age two is one of the best ways to keep children safe and healthy. To view the child immunization schedule parents may visit: cdc.gov/vaccines. To make an appointment with Dr. Vogel at Winneshiek Medical Center please call 563-382-2911.
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