Parents and caregivers are encouraged to ensure their infants are immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases during an annual awareness week, April 21 to 28.  Since 1994, National Infant Immunization Week has served as a way to highlight both the importance of vaccines and the achievements of immunization programs.

This year the week also marks the first World Immunization Week, held in conjunction with the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA).

Vaccines protect infants and toddlers from 14 diseases, saving $13.6 billion in direct costs and preventing 42,000 deaths per birth cohort immunized according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Immunization rates remain high in the United States, however proponents point to recent outbreaks of pertussis (whooping cough) and measles to underscored the importance of continued support of vaccination programs.

Immunization Resources:

Resources for providers and the public (CDC)

How to comfort infants being vaccinated (AAP)

Immunization Schedule (CDC)

Improving the quality and accessibility of health food in the community will be focus of the inaugural Duval County Food Summit. The event, hosted by the Duval County Food Policy Council, will be April 21 from 8am to 4:30pm at the Schultz Center.

The program will feature Dr. Oran Hesterman, President of the Fair Food Network; Eric Olsen, vice president of government relations for Feeding America; and Naval Hospital Jacksonville Director of Public Health Dr. Joseph McQuade.

The Duval County Food Policy Council is a new community-based group that seeks to improve the local food system so that it may lead to better health for residents. 

Entry costs $5. Six CEUs are available for participants. Breakfast and lunch will be prepared and provided by American Culinary Federation chefs.