New York State Department of Health Highlights Importance of Protecting Infants and Children From Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Parents and Guardians Encouraged to Prepare Their Children's Immune System to Fight Serious and Deadly Diseases Through Immunization
Department Recognizes April 20-27 as National Infant Immunization Week
ALBANY, N.Y. (April 27, 2026) - The New York State Department of Health encourages parents and caregivers to keep children safe and healthy by protecting them against vaccine-preventable illnesses in recognition of National Infant Immunization Week, observed April 20-27. Vaccinating children strengthens their immune systems and helps protect them throughout their life, starting at birth.
"As a Board-certified Pediatrician and Board-certified in preventive medicine physician, I have personally administered tens of thousands of vaccines to my patients. Decades of scientific research from trusted professionals show that vaccines prevent disease and are the best protection against diseases like measles, polio and so much more," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Infants' immune systems are designed to respond to these vaccines, which are among the most studied in the world. While misinformation about vaccines continues to circulate online, the science is clear: vaccination is safe, effective and in the best interest of your child's health. Focusing on evidence-based information will lead to healthier outcomes for all of us."
Pediatric vaccines have transformed the landscape of child health and development from the late 18th century to today, reducing mortality from infectious disease that once accounted for nearly 20 percent of deaths in children under five years of age.
In its 125-year legacy in protecting public health, the New York State Department of Health and the world-renowned Wadsworth Center have been at the forefront of vaccine prevention.
Then:
In the 1930s, the first early immunization guidance in the United States was issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics, including its first "Red Book" in 1938. Throughout the mid-20th century, routine childhood schedules expanded to include polio and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), marking the beginning of standardized national immunization practices.
The New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS) launched in 2008 by the State Department of Health's Bureau of Immunization, now known as Division of Vaccine Excellence, and is an information system to establish a complete, accurate, secure and real-time immunization record.
In 2019, New York State repealed school-entry nonmedical vaccine exemption options from public and nonpublic schools. This legislative action was taken up during one of the worst measles outbreaks the nation had seen since 1994. It's important to note that in 2019, more than 1,200 cases were confirmed nationwide for the entire year. That's compared to the current nationwide outbreak of nearly 1,750 as of April 16, 2026. In New York, so far in 2026 there have been four confirmed cases of measles in New York City and four in New York State outside of NYC (Rest of State) for 8 total.
Now:
Governor Kathy Hochul introduced two bills in March to protect access to lifesaving vaccines for New Yorkers amid federal changes to longstanding, science-based recommendations. The first bill would require health insurers to cover vaccines recommended by the State Commissioner of Health, in addition to the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The second bill removes reference to ACIP in the Public Health Law, Education Law and Social Services Law and authorizes pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 immunization to children ages two to 18 under State law.
In January 2026, the New York State Department of Health announced its official endorsement of the 2026 childhood and adolescent immunization schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This evidence-based schedule recommends routine immunization for protection against 18 preventable diseases including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rotavirus, influenza and meningococcal disease.
Recent changes to the CDC immunization schedule depart from longstanding scientific evidence and are unfounded and unreliable. By contrast, the AAP childhood and adolescent immunization schedules continue to recommend immunizations based on rigorous research and the specific disease risks and health care delivery context in the U.S. The Department encourages all medical providers and families to use the AAP schedule to protect their patients and children.
Children attending daycare and pre-K through 12th grade in New York State must receive all required doses of vaccines on the recommended schedule to attend and remain in school. Parents should speak with a health care provider about their child's immunization records to catch up on any missing immunizations.
Next:
Today, the Department's work goes beyond the vaccines themselves. Across New York State, public health officials are strengthening vaccine confidence by building meaningful relationships with communities and showing up with care, consistency and transparency. The Department is investing in health education and media efforts that are culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate, ensuring individuals and families can access information in ways that feel relevant, respectful and easy to understand.
At the same time, the Department continues to support safe, proven practices that protect the most vulnerable communities in the state. This includes New York State's ongoing commitment to the hepatitis B birth dose, working in partnership with birthing hospitals across the state to help protect newborns from hepatitis B from their very first day of life.
Through collaboration with local organizations, trusted community voices and health care providers, the Department is listening, learning and responding to the needs of New York's diverse communities. Together, these efforts help more New Yorkers feel informed, supported and confident in choosing immunization to protect themselves, their families and their communities.
Resources:
Common Vaccine Misconceptions and Concerns are addressed here.
Watch: "How Vaccines Work: How Do Germs Make Your Baby Sick?"
The Recommended Vaccine Schedule for Children 6 Years or Younger can be found here.
National Immunization Month is also a time to highlight the efficacy of vaccines for people of all ages and the success against infections of all kinds. Adults of all ages can be susceptible to disease and therefore can benefit from updates to their vaccination status. Adults can find which vaccines they may need with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Vaccine Assessment Tool.
The U.S. has the most effective vaccine supply in its history with systems in place that ensure vaccines are safe. Vaccination is the best protection from preventable serious diseases. Learn more about vaccine safety here.
Find more information on New York's Immunization Laws and Regulations here.
