National Infant Immunization Week is April 20-27. If you’re the parent of a child under 2, it’s a great time to focus on keeping your baby healthy.
Vaccines play an important role in children’s health, especially during their first two years, when they are most likely to get a serious illness. If you’ve had questions or felt unsure about vaccines, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of information out there, and it’s not all correct.
Here are some key facts every parent or guardian should know.
Fact: Infant vaccines are carefully tested and closely monitored.
Vaccines recommended for babies in the United States go through years of research and testing before they are approved for use. Afterward, they continue to be monitored to make sure they remain safe.
Millions of babies receive these vaccines every year. Serious side effects are very rare. Health experts continually review safety data to protect children’s health.
Fact: Vaccines protect babies when they need it most.
Babies’ immune systems are still developing, which means certain infections can be more dangerous for them.
The recommended vaccine schedule is designed to protect infants early – before they come into contact with other people who may have serious diseases they could catch, like measles, whooping cough, and meningitis. Staying on the recommended vaccine schedule helps build protection step by step during your baby’s first months and years.
Fact: Babies’ bodies learn fast – vaccines help train them safely.
Babies are in contact with germs every day through normal activities like feeding, touching objects, and being around other people. Most of the time, they do not get sick from this exposure. Instead, they build up defenses to fight germs.
Just as babies’ immune systems handle many germs every day, they can also safely receive more than one vaccine during the same doctor’s visit. The ingredients in vaccines are in very small amounts compared to what babies naturally handle. Research shows that getting multiple vaccines at the same time is safe and does not weaken your baby’s built-in defense system.
Fact: Vaccines do not cause autism.
Extensive research from around the world has found no link between vaccines and autism or delays in a baby’s development. Studies have included hundreds of thousands of children.
Health experts continue to review vaccine safety. The facts are clear: Vaccines are safe and do not cause autism.
Fact: Most vaccine side effects are mild and short‑term.
It’s common for babies to have mild reactions after vaccines. They might get fussy, get a low‑grade fever, or be sore where they got their shot. These effects usually go away in a day or two.
Fact: Trusted healthcare providers are your best source of information.
There’s a lot of information online, and not all of it is reliable. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers are trained to answer questions about vaccines. They can help answer your questions and talk about your concerns.
Your child’s healthcare provider knows their health history and can help you make careful decisions based on proven facts and their experience.
Fact: You can get your child back on track if you miss an appointment.
It’s best to follow the recommended vaccine schedule closely. But if your child misses a vaccine appointment, your healthcare provider can help them catch up safely. It’s never too late to get back on track.
Fact: Infant vaccines are covered by Fidelis Care.
Your child’s vaccines are covered at no cost to you if your child is a Fidelis Care member.
Giving your baby a strong start
Vaccines are one of the best ways to protect your baby’s health – now and as they grow. Staying up to date on vaccines helps keep your child safe and helps protect others in your community from illness.
This National Infant Immunization Week, take a moment to talk with your child’s healthcare provider, ask questions, and make sure your baby is on track for a healthy start.
Sources
National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) | Vaccines & Immunizations | CDC
About Vaccines for your Children | Childhood Vaccines | CDC