National Infant Immunization Week April 23-30

By MC Kelby HERWriter

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Last year, there were more than 21,000 cases of whooping cough which resulted in 26 deaths. Also, 22 of those deaths were in very young infants. All of those deaths could have been prevented with a vaccination.

April 23-30, 2011 is National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW). This global campaign highlights the benefits of infant immunizations. Immunizations are vital in keeping children and communities healthy and disease free. Immunizations slow down and stop the spread of diseases.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), less than one percent of children do not receive any vaccines. Also, the CDC stated that coverage for most vaccines remains lower for children living below poverty than children living at or above poverty.

However, many children are not fully immunized. If a child does not receive the recommended doses, he or she is at risk for the disease.

Dr. Melinda Wharton, deputy director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said, "Vaccination is one of the most important things parents can do to protect their children's health."

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for babies 1-15 months.

At birth:
• HepB: protects against hepatitis

At two months:
• HepB: protects against hepatitis
• DTaP: a combined vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough)
• PCV: protects against pneumococcal disease
• Hib: protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b
• Polio: protects against polio, the vaccine is also known as IPV
• RV: protects against infections caused by rotavirus

At four months:
• DTaP: a combined vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough)
• PCV: protects against pneumococcal disease
• Hib: protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b
• Polio: protects against polio, the vaccine is also known as IPV
• RV: protects against infections caused by rotavirus

At six months:
• HepB: protects against hepatitis
• DTaP: a combined vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough)
• PCV: protects against pneumococcal disease
• Hib: protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b
• Polio: protects against polio, the vaccine is also known as IPV
• RV: protects against infections caused by rotavirus
• Influenza: protects against influenza (flu)

At 12 months:
• PCV: protects against pneumococcal disease
• Hib: protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b
• Varicella: protects against varicella, also known as chickenpox
• HepA: protects against hepatitis A
• Influenza: protects against influenza (flu)

At 15 months:
• DTaP: a combined vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough)
• Influenza: protects against influenza (flu)

The CDC offers a program called Vaccines for Children (VFC) for children who do not have health insurance or are underinsured. The cost for the vaccines is free but there may be an administrative fee of up to $15 for a vaccine. If you are interested in this program, contact your local or state health department, or call the CDC at 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636). You can also visit the following website for additional information: http://www.cdc.gov/features/vfcprogram/

Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/child/0-6yrs-schedule-pr.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/features/infantimmunization/?s_cid=fb836
http://www.cdc.gov/features/vfcprogram/
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/default.htm

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.