Why Immunizations Matter
Each year, National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) highlights the critical role vaccinations play in protecting children and communities from serious, often life-threatening diseases. At Primary Health Network, our pediatricians, Dr. Shikha Rijal and Dr. John Cunningham, are on the front lines of advocating for timely and effective immunization.
Thank you to our providers for assisting in writing this piece:
“Immunization is key in protecting children against disease. Immunization rates are decreasing and now we are starting to see a resurgence of preventable diseases. I encourage parents to talk to their child’s pediatrician about vaccinating their children.“
“Immunization is not just a shot. It is a promise of protection and a gift of health that can last a person their lifetime.”
National Infant Immunization Week | Why Are Immunizations Important for Both Children and Adults?
Vaccines teach the body’s immune system how to recognize and fight harmful germs without causing the disease. For infants and children whose immune systems are still developing, vaccines are especially important because they protect against diseases that can strike early in life. Many of these illnesses have no effective treatment and can cause serious complications.
Over time, immunity can fade, and booster shots are needed to maintain protection, such as with tetanus or whooping cough. When older, some people may grow to be at increased risk for illnesses like shingles, pneumonia, and influenza, making regular immunization a key part of healthy aging.
In children and adults, getting vaccinated protects the individual and contributes to herd immunity, which helps protect those who cannot receive vaccinations due to age or medical conditions.
National Infant Immunization Week | Why Is Timing So Crucial?
The timing of immunizations offers protection when it’s needed most. For example, babies are more susceptible to certain infections as each exposure to a new germ is unfamiliar to their immune system. That’s why children are given vaccines like hepatitis B and DTaP early in life.
In many cases, it takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after a vaccination. Some vaccines require multiple doses spaced out over time to be fully effective. Delaying vaccines can leave individuals, especially young children, unprotected during critical developmental stages or before entering environments like daycares or schools.
National Infant Immunization Week | What Should You Know About Vaccine Schedules, Side Effects, and Skipping Shots?
The CDC’s recommended vaccine schedules are developed based on extensive research and data. They consider how the immune system develops at different ages, the risk of disease exposure, and how effective a vaccine is at a particular point in life.
- Side Effects: Most vaccines have mild and temporary side effects such as fever, soreness at the injection site, fatigue, or fussiness in young children. Severe side effects are rare, and national and global health organizations continuously monitor vaccine safety.
- Skipping Vaccines: Skipping scheduled vaccines leaves people vulnerable to preventable diseases. It also weakens community protection, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. The U.S. has recently seen a resurgence in measles outbreaks, largely due to declining immunization rates. Fortunately, if you or your child has missed a vaccine, healthcare providers can help you get back on track with a catch-up schedule.
Additionally, many schools, colleges, and workplaces require proof of immunization. Staying up to date helps ensure compliance and safety in group settings.
Trusted Resources to Learn More
When it comes to vaccines, accurate and up-to-date information is essential. These resources are reliable and evidence-based!
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- VaccineInformation.org
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Your Local Healthcare Provider
National Immunization Week is more than just a calendar event—it’s a reminder that vaccines are a powerful tool for safeguarding health at every stage of life. By understanding their importance, sticking to the recommended schedule, and turning to trusted sources for information, we can all help build a healthier, more protected future.
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