VALDOSTA — Immunization is a shared responsibility. 

National Infant Immunization Week is April 21-28 and the Georgia Department of Public Health urges South Georgians to speak with a health-care provider or doctor to make sure their infants are up-to-date on vaccinations.

“One of the best ways to protect our children is to make sure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations,” said Reomona Thomas, RN, immunization coordinator. “An equally important way to protect our children is to ensure families and friends are current on their vaccinations to protect the little ones.”

NIIW is a call to action for parents, caregivers and health-care providers to ensure that infants are fully vaccinated against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases, according to health officials.

In Georgia, according to health professionals with the Southwest Health District, multiple cases of pertussis have been reported in Dougherty County. 

Because pertussis is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious complications and death in infants, it’s important for parents, including pregnant mothers, to make sure their families are up-to-date on their vaccinations, according to health officials.