According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1 million 2-year-olds in the United States are not adequately immunized. Each day, 11,000 babies are born in the United States and will need to be immunized against 15 diseases before the age of 2.

“Immunizations are one of the most effective ways parents can protect their children from potentially deadly infectious diseases,” said State Health Commissioner Robert B. Stroube, M.D, M.P.H.

Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. They not only help protect vaccinated individuals from developing potentially serious diseases, they also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of disease.

This week is being observed as National Infant Immunization Week in Virginia. Parents and caregivers are urged to show their love for the children in their care by making sure their immunizations are up-to-date. For more information visit

www.vdh.virginia.gov/imm.