Happy National Infant Immunization Week

Did you know that this week is National Infant Immunization Week? As we are enduring the coronavirus pandemic we should think about all the diseases we no longer fear for our children due to vaccines. In the first half of the last century, before Jonas Salk developed the polio vaccine in 1955, there were polio epidemics. As the polio virus swept through communities (usually in the summer) movie theaters and swimming pools would be shut down and quarantines imposed. In 1952, at the peak, polio killed 3,145 people (mostly children) and left thousands of others paralyzed.

Measles is still circulating and is even more contagious that the coronavirus. More than 140,000 people died worldwide last year from measles, mostly children under the age of 5. Unfortunately measles has been making a comeback, causing outbreaks in Europe and the US, due to lack of vaccination.

Rotavirus also kills thousands of children every year worldwide from diarrhea and dehydration. Before the vaccine was introduced in the US in 2006, over 70,000 children would be hospitalized each year with rotavirus and 20-60 would die.

In addition to polio, measles, and rotavirus, infants are also vaccinated against the bacteria and viruses that cause meningitis, pneumonia, chicken pox, whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, and hepatitis. That’s a lot of disease being prevented!

In conclusion, National Infant Immunization Week serves as a reminder of the incredible impact vaccines have had on preventing devastating diseases in children. From the eradication of polio epidemics to the prevention of measles outbreaks, vaccines have saved countless lives and prevented widespread suffering.

Despite the ongoing challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, it is crucial to prioritize routine childhood vaccinations, as they protect against a range of bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illnesses such as meningitis, pneumonia, chicken pox, whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, and hepatitis. As a pediatrician, I urge parents to stay vigilant and not delay their child’s immunizations, especially amidst the current global health crisis.

While we continue to learn about the novel coronavirus, children remain at a lower risk for severe illness, and I remain confident that a vaccine will eventually be developed. In the meantime, let’s celebrate National Infant Immunization Week by ensuring that our children are protected against preventable diseases through timely vaccinations.

Remember, as a pediatrician near you, I am here to provide guidance and support to keep your child healthy and safe. Happy National Infant Immunization Week!