Catch up on Immunizations During National Infant Immunization Week
National Infant Immunization Week is Observed April 24-May 1
Atrium Health Navicent encourages parents and caregivers to join the health system in observing National Infant Immunization Week by ensuring that their children, particularly those aged two and younger, stay on track for routine check-ups and recommended vaccinations.
A CDC report released in May 2020 noted a drop in routine childhood vaccinations as a result of families staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children still receive their well-child appointments and routine vaccinations. As in-person learning and play become more common, on-time vaccination is even more urgent to help provide immunity against serious diseases for which vaccines are available such as the measles and whooping cough.
“It is vitally important that children receive their routine vaccinations to avoid outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases,” said Dr. Christy Peterson, a pediatrician at Atrium Health Navicent. “Even though a large portion of the population has been vaccinated for many years and we do not see these terrible diseases anymore, it’s the success of these vaccines that has caused the diseases to seemingly disappear. If we go too long without returning to our previous rate of vaccinations, we could see these childhood diseases 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, the leading provider of health care in central and south Georgia, is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Providing more than 1,000 beds and offering care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region, Atrium Health Navicent provides care for health care consumers’ through an academic medical center; community, pediatric and rehabilitation hospitals; urgent care centers; physician practices; diagnostic centers; home health; hospice and palliative care; and a life plan community. Atrium Health Navicent is dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visit NavicentHealth.org.