Minnesota families urged to get young children caught up on vaccines

The Department of Health is urging families to get children caught up on vaccines. The proclamation is being made in conjunction with National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) to highlight the importance of protecting infants and children from serious diseases by keeping them up to date with well-child visits and recommended vaccines.

Vaccines are among the world’s most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing serious illness and death. Unfortunately, immunization rates among our youngest Minnesotans have fallen behind. In 2019, 69% of Minnesota’s 2-year-olds were up to date for recommended immunizations, but by 2023, that rate fell to 63%, according to data from the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC).

Ideally, this protection begins with vaccination during pregnancy. By getting vaccinated during pregnancy, antibodies are passed to the developing baby. The antibodies help protect the newborn until they can get vaccinated themselves.

Learn more about the importance of childhood immunizations and find additional resources on Immunization: Me and My Family.