Each Spring, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) to shine a spotlight on “the importance of protecting children two years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs).” For 2022, the CDC placed particular emphasis on promoting timely vaccinations, noting “a troubling drop in routine childhood vaccination as a result of families staying at home” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Resources from NIIW 2022 are still available online. Here, vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant shares some of the highlights:

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Childhood Vaccinations

The CDC’s resources for National Infant Immunization Week 2022 include the results of a study that found that childhood vaccination rates dropped significantly during the early stages of the pandemic. While infant immunization rates have risen since these early stages, the study’s authors still indicate that immunization rates are lower than normal, stating:

“The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a reminder of the importance of vaccination. The identified declines in routine pediatric vaccine ordering and doses administered might indicate that U.S. children and their communities face increased risks for outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.”

For parents who have concerns about getting their children vaccinated during the pandemic, additional resources are available from the CDC.

Creating a “Culture of Immunization”

The CDC’s resources also include materials that are designed to help healthcare providers—and pediatricians specifically—create a “culture of immunization” within their practices. These include everything from flyers and posters to tips for talking with parents about vaccines for infants.

Of course, parents can also access these online resources directly if they have questions or concerns about infant immunization. The CDC’s resources are available to everyone, and the CDC encourages parents and providers alike to ensure that they are informed and up-to-date on all relevant considerations.

Promoting Infant Immunization with #ivax2protect

For National Infant Immunization Week 2022, the CDC adopted the hashtag #ivax2protect to spread the word about the importance of getting all CDC-recommended vaccines during early childhood. The CDC encourages parents and providers to use #ivax2protect, and it has published animated graphics, videos and infographics that parents and providers can share on social media year-round.

While the CDC’s recommended early childhood vaccines are safe for most infants, vaccine-related injuries and illnesses occur in a small percentage of cases. This includes injuries related to vaccine administration as well as injuries and illnesses caused by adverse reactions. For parents whose children have been diagnosed with vaccine-related injuries and illnesses, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) provides a source of financial recovery, and parents can hire a vaccine attorney to handle their VICP claims at no out-of-pocket cost.

Request an Appointment with National Vaccine Attorney Leah V. Durant

Vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant provides nationwide legal representation for families who have been affected by early childhood vaccine injuries and illnesses. If you would like to know more about your family’s legal rights under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), we encourage you to call 202-800-1711 or send us a message online to arrange a free consultation.

Leah Durant Bio

Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.