Communities across the nation raise awareness about saving lives from vaccine-preventable diseases

BALTIMORE, MD (April 24, 2017)—This week, the Baltimore City Health Department recognizes National Infant Immunization Week (April 22-29, 2017) in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of vaccinating infants and young children to protect them from harmful and contagious diseases.

“The science is clear: vaccines are safe, effective, and life-saving. Everyone should get their immunizations, especially infants and young children,” said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen. “Before the invention of vaccines, thousands of children died in Baltimore every year from diseases that we can now prevent. We all have to do our part to prevent the spread of diseases and to save lives.” 

The Baltimore City Health Department offers immunizations year-round to those who qualify. Following are the clinic hours and locations for National Infant Immunization Week:

• Monday, April 24, 2017 (620 N. Caroline St., 21205), 10:00 a.m. – 2:00pm 
• Tuesday, April 25, 2017 (620 N. Caroline St., 21205), 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
• Wednesday, April 26, 2017 (1515 W. North Avenue, 21217), 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Thursday, April 27, 2017 (620 N. Caroline St., 21205), 10:00 a.m. –2:00 p.m. 

National Infant Immunization Week is an annual observance to highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and to celebrate the achievements of immunization programs that promote healthy communities.

Since 1994, hundreds of communities across the national have come together to draw attention to the need to increase infant immunization rates. Among children born during 1994-2013, vaccination will prevent an estimated 332 million illnesses, 21 million hospitalizations, and 732,000 deaths.

Giving babies the recommended immunizations by age two is the best way to protect them from serious childhood diseases, such as whooping cough and measles.

Learn more about BCHD’s Immunization Program.