Immunization of children is among the most successful and cost-effective public health achievements. It has led to the prevention and reduction of vaccine-preventable diseases.
The National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) / Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) will be observed from April 23 – 30, 2011. The observance is to highlight the need for routine and timely vaccinations for infants and children. The campaign is launched at the same time in the United States and in countries and territories in the World Health Organization Regions of the Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Western Pacific, Europe and Africa.
NIIW promotes the benefits of immunizing and protecting children 0 to 24 months and older from vaccine-preventable diseases. Events across the United States focus local and national attention of the importance of vaccinations. It reminds parents and other caregivers to protect children, starting at birth, against vaccine-preventable diseases.
In Texas, NIIW/VWA promotes cross border vaccination as a joint annual initiative with the Republic of Mexico, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and the United States-Mexico Border Health Commission (USBHC). VWA provides life-saving immunizations to millions of children, young women, and seniors in the Americas. It reaches populations with limited access to regular health care services and thus at increased risk of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases.
Immunization campaigns highlight the need for routine and timely vaccinations for infants and children. The goals are:
- Raise awareness of the importance of vaccines
- Expand immunization coverage
- Promote national and cross-border activities in joint efforts to prevent disease and save lives.
This international effort is especially effective since vaccine-preventable diseases are easily transmitted from one country to another.
DSHS, Immunization Branch, observes NIIW-VWA by:
- Coordinating state-wide NIIW / VWA theme, focus and tag line
- Obtaining a State Proclamation (signed by Gov. Perry) proclaiming April 23 – 30, 2011 as Infant Immunization Week / Vaccination Week in the Americas (To be posted on web page when available)
- Participating in bi-national teleconferences with CDC, PAHO and USMBHC
- Creating an e-card to be sent as an electronic greeting card to patients, friends, family, co-workers!
- Launching web page
Theme: Stay on Schedule
Focus: Routine and Timely Vaccinations
Tag Line: Vaccinate On Time
Vaccinate. Vaccines save lives! The bacteria and viruses that cause diseases still exist. Many vaccine-preventable diseases can be very dangerous to infants. Children who are not protected are at risk. They can be exposed to diseases from family members and the community. Vaccines protect not only those who get vaccinated, but also protect the people around them who may not be able to get immunized. These include those who are too young to be vaccinated, those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, and those who cannot make an adequate response to vaccination.
On Time. If a baby is not too young to get the disease, it is not too young to get the vaccine! During a delay, the child is susceptible. It is important to follow the recommended schedule because this provides the best protection or has the best evidence of effectiveness. Use of combination vaccines can reduce the number of injections required at an office visit. It is easier to stay up-to-date than to catch up. And, it is important to keep a record as vaccines are received.
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