NHD Recognizes National Infant Immunization Week

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NORWALK, CT – National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) highlights the importance of keeping children protected from vaccine-preventable diseases and the positive impact of vaccination on the lives of infants and children. Following disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, routine childhood immunizations and well-child visits have been on the decline, leaving our youngest residents vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases.

During NIIW, April 24-30, the Norwalk Health Department encourages parents to schedule a vaccine check-up with their children’s healthcare provider to ensure their child is up to date with their immunizations. The Norwalk Health Department’s Immunization Action Plan (IAP) Program aims to raise immunization rates of infants and preschool-aged children.

“Vaccination plays a critical role in protecting our children and, in turn, the public’s health for 14 vaccine-preventable diseases,” explains Pam Bates, IAP Program Coordinator, “Outbreaks of dangerous diseases like measles can occur when children in the community miss their routine vaccinations. It is essential for children to stay on track with well-child visits and the recommended vaccine schedule.”

The Norwalk Health Department offers free vaccinations for eligible children who don’t have a medical home and/or health insurance. This applies to children from birth through 18 years of age. The Health Department can also provide free whooping cough vaccine to individuals 11 to 64 years of age who are a family member/caregiver of an infant younger than 12 months old. For more information about childhood vaccines or Health Department immunization services, call (203) 854-7776 or visit www.norwalkct.org/vaccines.

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