This is National Infant Immunization Week

Vaccinating children on time is the best way to protect them against 14 serious and potentially deadly diseases before their second birthday.

"The recommended immunization schedule is designed to offer protection early in life when babies are vulnerable and before it's likely they will be exposed to diseases," said Dr. Tyler Menke, Mayo Clinic Health System family medicine physician at Winneshiek Medical Center.

Public health and medical experts base their vaccine recommendations on many factors. They study information about diseases and vaccines very carefully to decide which vaccines kids should get and when they should get them for best protection.

Although the number of vaccines a child needs in the first two years may seem like a lot, doctors know a great deal about the human immune system, and they know that a healthy baby's immune system can handle getting all vaccines when they are recommended.

Dr. Menke cautions against parents delaying vaccination. "There is no known benefit to delaying vaccination. In fact, it puts babies at risk of getting sick because they are left vulnerable to catch serious diseases during the time they are not protected by vaccines."