(ARA) – Did you know that April 21 kicks off National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW)? NIIW is an annual observance supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and can be a good reminder to parents about the importance of protecting their children before the age of 2 from diseases for which vaccines are available.

Many parents may not know how important it is to vaccinate their children at specific times and with a certain number of doses. Vaccinations can help protect children before age 2 from 14 childhood diseases. Maintaining the schedule of a child’s well visits helps ensure children get the vaccines they need, at the right times.

“While vaccination has helped eliminate or significantly reduced many childhood diseases, it may surprise people to know that some of these diseases still exist,” says Dr. Jaime Fergie, director of Infectious Diseases at Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. “It’s important that we are diligent in helping children to receive the protection they need.”

Dr. Fergie recommends checking your child’s health records to see if their vaccinations are up-to-date. Make an appointment with your child’s physician if they are not or if you have questions. For more information, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines.