Atrium Health Navicent Physicians Urge Families to Catch Up on Immunizations During National Infant Immunization Week
National Infant Immunization Week is April 24-30
Atrium Health Navicent encourages parents and caregivers to join the health system in observing National Infant Immunization Week, April 24-30, by ensuring that their children, particularly those age two and younger, get back on track for routine check-ups and recommended vaccinations.
This year, more than ever, we recognize the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our children and communities from 14 vaccine-preventable diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends families check with their health care providers to make sure children are up to date on routinely recommended vaccines following disruptions from missed doctor’s visits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A CDC report released in May 2020 noted a drop in routine childhood vaccinations as a result of families staying home during the pandemic. Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. Giving babies recommended vaccinations by age two is the best way to protect them from childhood diseases, like whooping cough, measles and polio.
“Receiving routine vaccinations offers children vital protection against outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases,” said Dr. Yameika Head, director of Clinical Practice – Pediatrics for Atrium Health Navicent Medical Group. “If your child has fallen behind on well-child visits or vaccinations, it’s not too late. We don’t see many cases of these devastating diseases anymore because of the success of vaccines. If we go too long without returning to our prior vaccination level, we could see the illnesses re-emerge.”
For more information about recommended vaccination schedules for infants, contact your child’s primary care provider. To find a doctor, visit www.NavicentHealth.org and click “Find A Doctor.”
About Atrium Health Navicent
Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health, allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 125-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org