(ITHACA, NY, April 24, 2023) – National Infant Immunization Week is a reminder that children need vaccines right from the start. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that children stay on track with their well-child appointments and routine vaccinations. On-time vaccination is critical to provide protection against potentially life-threatening diseases.
To recognize the importance of immunizations from the start and throughout our lives, Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) and the Immunization Coalition of Tompkins County are joining with partners nationwide in recognizing April 24th-April 30th as National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW). Since 1994, hundreds of communities across the United States have joined to celebrate the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our children, communities, and public health.
Today’s childhood vaccines protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, including polio, measles, whooping cough, and chickenpox. “Infants are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases,” says Rachel Buckwalter, BSN, RN, Director of Community Health Services at TCWH. “Every dose of every vaccine is important to protect your child and others in the community.”
Jessica Clark Manderville, BSN, RN at TCWH and Chair of the TC Immunization Coalition stated, “When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk and can spread diseases to others in their family and community, including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated. With the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing an increased number of children who are behind on their vaccination schedules. We encourage caregivers to talk to your child’s healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on all the vaccines they need.”
Tompkins County Whole Health offers immunization clinics every Friday through the New York State funded Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Clinics are open from 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm by appointment. Your child may be eligible for participation in our Friday clinics if they:
- Are currently enrolled in Medicaid
- Have Child Health Plus
- Are underinsured: their insurance does not cover the vaccine
- Do not have insurance
- Are Native American or Alaska Native
Parents can find out more about the recommended immunization schedule at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents.
Learn more about Whole Health’s Community Health Services online at https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health/immunizations or call the office directly at 607-274-6604.
Media contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org
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