Vaccines are lab-prepared medicines which help your body to build natural internal immunity against infectious diseases. Your pediatrician will know the recommended schedule for your child to receive their immunizations according to their age and previous immunizations received, if any.
Let’s talk more about the importance of your child receiving potentially lifesaving vaccinations, and where you can go in Spring and The Woodlands to have your child vaccinated so they stay healthy.
Why Should I Get My Child Vaccinated?
Most people have old family stories about polio and the horrible effect it had on a family friend or relative. For decades, this infectious, disabling, and sometimes fatal viral infection changed the lives of millions of children across the world – that is, until a vaccine was developed and distributed.
The polio vaccine and other immunizations are specially prepared medications which contain minute amounts of weakened, dead, or synthetic (manmade) versions of a virus or bacterium that causes disease. In addition to polio, prominent childhood diseases now have the protection conferred by vaccines, including measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, influenza, and many more.
How Do I Know What Vaccines My Child Needs?
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) both post vaccination schedules (recommended ages/amounts/frequencies) of what is appropriate for children of various age groups, from birth to age 18. These schedules recommend to healthcare providers, parents, and caregivers what immunizations to administer and at what age and time interval.
Vaccinations are generally administered (with your permission) during your well-child and well-baby visits (checkups) at your pediatric clinic. Your child’s vaccination records are kept on file with the rest of the child’s medical chart and records. Vaccination documentation can be distributed per parental request/permission for school examinations, sports physicals, college entrance, and more.
Are Children’s Vaccines Safe and Effective?
Health experts across the globe have studied (and continue to study) the safety and effectiveness of child vaccinations – and yes, they do work wonderfully well, and with little to no appreciable side effects. While some localized reactions to the vaccine may develop (such as temporary fever, muscle soreness, or redness in the area), adverse reactions are rare or mild.
Plus, when your child is fully immunized, the child contributes to “herd immunity.” When most of the general population is vaccinated against a disease, the medically frail and those who are ineligible for medical reasons (or refuse for religious reason) also derive a measure of protection from the disease, because it simply isn’t spreading – or it isn’t spreading in a severe way. Therefore, vaccines are a win-win for everyone, because they stave off the spread of particular diseases.
Comprehensive Children’s Healthcare in Spring and The Woodlands, TX
Our experienced pediatricians and our caring support staff partner with parents in delivering excellent preventive healthcare for children, as well as treatment for acute and chronic diseases. We want all children who see us to thrive physically, emotionally, and mentally.
If you have any questions about child vaccinations or other aspects of pediatric medical care, call us today at (281) 296-7770 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to the opportunity to be your child’s pediatrician for optimum health and wellness!
