National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is observed from April 21 – 28, 2025. Each year, NIIW highlights the importance of protecting children 2 years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases.
On-time vaccination is essential to protect children from potentially life-threatening diseases. However, children aren’t fully vaccinated until they’re 15–18 months old. That’s why it’s important for those around infants to stay up to date on their own vaccines—helping shield young children as their immunity develops.
Some childhood illnesses that were once nearly eradicated through vaccination efforts are beginning to make a comeback in the United States. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but there have been recent measles outbreaks in several states. Whooping cough (pertussis) cases have been on the rise for decades. This resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases is primarily due to declining vaccination rates.
Vaccinating your child according to the recommended immunization schedule gives him or her the best protection against 14 serious childhood illnesses — like measles and whooping cough — before the age of 2.
Review the 2025 Immunization Schedule recommended for birth through 6 years old by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you’re pregnant, now is a great time to find a doctor for your baby and schedule a visit to discuss any questions you have about vaccines.
Have questions about immunizations? Contact your local health department.
