Since
1994, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been celebrating
National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW). NIIW is about awareness and action in
hopes that all infants can be fully immunized against the fourteen
vaccine-preventable diseases. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention uses this week to celebrate the advancements made in both the
creation of vaccinations and immunization programs. Many states and politicians
are even getting in on the action, for example Governor Brownback of Kansas
signed a bill to make NIIW officially recognized in the state and Illinois is
even providing free vaccinations.
The
American Academy of Pediatrics asserts that vaccines are one of the best health
tools available to the public—they are cost effective and have a track record
of success. Still, vaccines are one of the most talked about and controversial
issues when it comes to keeping children healthy. Data does suggest that
providing children with vaccinations is in the best interest of their health.
Yet many families, especially in the West and Northwest United States believe
that immunization is too dangerous and refuse to put their children at risk;
many even suggest it may be a cause of autism (though that assertion has not
been medially confirmed). As a result, the United States is now seeing the
highest rates of whooping cough and measles that has existed in decades.
As
a parent or caregiver, what are your thoughts on vaccination? Will you help to
increase awareness of immunization this week? Have your children or charges
been vaccinated, or alternatively, would they be if the choice was yours?
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