National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) celebrates the critical role vaccination plays in protecting the health of our children and families — and this year we’re reminding parents of the importance of staying up to date with routinely recommended vaccines following disruptions from COVID-19.

As a parent, you want to protect your little one from harm. Vaccinating your child according to the recommended immunization schedule gives him or her the best protection against 14 serious childhood illnesses — like measles and whooping cough — before the age of 2.

EJFHC encourages you to make sure your child is up to date on vaccines by ensuring that they haven’t missed any check-ups. Well-child visits are essential.

You can also review the 2021 easy-to-read immunization schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  If you’re pregnant, now is a great time to find a doctor for your baby and schedule a visit to discuss any questions you have about vaccines.

For more information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent, visit these resources:

• The Ultimate Babyproofing Plan: 6 Reasons to Follow CDC’s Immunization Schedule
• CDC’s vaccine website for parents and Infant Immunization FAQs
• CDC’s series of three 1-minute videos
• The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, which provides free vaccines to children who qualify
• The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Healthy Children
• Vaccinate Your Family
• The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center

If you have questions about vaccines, talk to your child’s doctor.