Nevadans can join with the rest of the country to celebrate Nevada Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) April 16 – 23, recognizing the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and promoting healthy communities.
Every April for the past 20 years, communities across the United States have joined people in countries around the world to celebrate the critical role vaccination plays in protecting the health of our children, families and communities. The United States celebrates NIIW as part of World Immunization Week, an initiative of the World Health Organization.
Nevada state-wide celebrations and educational opportunities include:
- Immunize Nevada will be giving away water bottles throughout the week to mothers who give birth at participating local hospitals. They’ll be filled with infant immunization information.
- To thank maternity nurses for their role in keeping families healthy, Immunize Nevada will also be providing lunch to nurses at those same hospitals.
- Immunization services are offered in a variety of locations throughout the state, including community clinics, pharmacies, physician offices and health districts. For details on hours, costs and type of health coverage accepted, visit the Vaccines for Children program at Vfcnevada.org.
“Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective tools available for preventing disease and even death,” said Immunize Nevada Executive Director Heidi Parker. “Nevada Infant Immunization Week gives us the opportunity to remind parents of the importance of following the recommended vaccination schedule.”
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says vaccines not only help protect vaccinated individuals, but they also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Among children born between 1994-2013, vaccination will prevent an estimated 322 million illnesses, 21 million hospitalizations, and 732,000 deaths over the course of their lifetimes.
Immunize Nevada is a resource for immunizations and community health for all ages For details, visit ImmunizeNevada.org.
