Why Childhood Immunizations Are Important

The idea of becoming a parent for the first time or again can be overwhelming in itself. Handling vaccination schedules often becomes a catalyst for more distress. It doesn’t need to be. Many organizations like the CDC (Center for Disease Control), American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Pediatrics make scheduling and what diseases are prevented by vaccines much easier. When your child is vaccinated, they are not only protected from damaging diseases, but they also are keeping their friends, classmates, and teammates safe.

What is a Vaccine

A vaccine is a severely weakened version, part, or even dead germ that causes a disease. After exposing a child to one of these diseases in its dead or weakened state their immune system builds their defenses up against that disease in particular. In the future, if the child were exposed to the disease their immune system or general war machine against dangerous germs, will prevent the disease from doing any harm. Recently there has been growing controversy about the safety and the ramifications of vaccinations. It is important to note that absolutely no convincing evidence has been found to support the idea of vaccinations being dangerous. Children may have temporary and mild reactions to vaccinations, but the benefits far outweigh the possibility of a mild reaction.

What Shots do children need?

By age 2 here are the recommended vaccinations:

• One for Measles, mumps, and rubella or more commonly stated as MMR
• Four for Hib, or Haemophilus influenzas, this is a common infection that can cause meningitis
• Three for Polio
• Four for DPT, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
• Three for Hepatitis B
• One for chickenpox
• Three for rotavirus, an infection that causes severe diarrhea
• Four for pneumococcal, this often causes ear infections and pneumonia

In a few years between the ages of 4 and 6, they will need boosters for many of these vaccinations. It is important to communicate with your child’s doctor to keep track and schedule both vaccinations and boosters.

Final thoughts

Having your child vaccinated is one of the safest medical practices available. Due to vaccinations, many diseases that once ravaged our young are now extremely rare. If you have any questions about vaccinations, scheduling, or records please consult your doctor.