National Infant Immunization Week

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are talking about National Infant Immunization Week! Observed every year at the end of April, National Infant Immunization Week highlights the critical role vaccines play in protecting children age 2 years and younger from serious and possibly life-threatening diseases. In the first year of life the immune system is still developing, which can make children age 2 and under more susceptible to diseases like measles, whooping cough, and polio. Thanks to routine immunizations, many of these illnesses are now rare in the U.S., but they haven’t disappeared. Sticking to the immunization schedule helps ensure your child is protected before they’re exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Delaying or skipping shots leaves babies at risk. Our staff understands that it is completely natural for parents to have questions about vaccines, such as safety or timing of getting the vaccines. As a parent, if you have concerns we encourage you to speak with your child’s healthcare provider, or, you can call your local health department. Vaccinating your child doesn’t just protect them, it helps protect others too. When enough people are vaccinated, it reduces the spread of disease, keeping vulnerable individuals like newborns or those with weakened immune systems safe. Our Public Health Clinic at 165 Miller Street is open Monday through Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm. We are part of the Connecticut Vaccine Program and are able to offer no cost vaccines to children under the age of 18 regardless of their health insurance status. We have also developed a webpage on childhood vaccinations that answer some frequently asked questions about childhood vaccinations. Visit www.meridenhealth.com.  If you have questions about childhood vaccines or would like to schedule an appointment, please call our Public Health Clinic at (203) 630-4234.