Dear Residents,

Keeping your child healthy is one of the most important things you can do—and vaccines play a big role in that. With recent increases in cases of preventable diseases across the state and country, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is reminding parents during National Infant Immunization Week (April 21-28) of the importance of protecting infants and children from vaccine-preventable diseases. Following the CDC’s recommended vaccine schedule is the best way to protect infants, children, and teens from 16 serious diseases, like measles, polio, and whooping cough.

Why Vaccines Matter
The vaccine schedule starts at birth to protect babies early, before they are exposed to harmful germs. As your child grows, they’ll need more vaccines to stay protected.

Vaccines Are Safe and Work Well
Vaccines in the United States are tested carefully and watched closely by doctors and scientists. Vaccines given between 1994 and 2023 prevented 508 million illnesses, 32 million hospital stays and 1.13 million deaths.

What About Side Effects?
Most side effects are very mild, like a sore arm, low fever, or fussiness. Serious allergic reactions are extremely rare.

How to Stay on Track
Be sure to write down each vaccine your child gets and keep those records in a safe place. You may need them for school or after-school programs, travel or future jobs If you can’t find your child’s vaccine records, contact their doctor, clinic, school, or the state immunization registry. If you still can’t find them, a healthcare provider can help you figure out what to do next.

Recommended Vaccine Schedule
Catch Up Vaccine Schedule

Thank you for doing your part to keep our community healthy.

NWBRHC Staff