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Vaccines Q & A

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What is a vaccine?

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A vaccine is a way to protect your child from getting and spreading certain diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, or toxins. Vaccination from communicable disease involves the introduction of a small amount of dead or weakened germ into the body.

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Vaccines use the body’s natural ability to create immunization against disease. Your child’s immune system produces a natural defense against germs that can be used to fight the disease later, when and if they’re ever exposed again.

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For adequate amounts of immunization, some vaccines must be administered more than once in a lifetime. For example, the flu vaccine must be given each year to maintain immunity.

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Why do children need vaccines?

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive vaccines beginning at birth so that they can build immunity against potentially life-threatening diseases before they’re likely to be exposed to them.

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Diseases like chickenpox, measles, rubella, and whooping cough can cause severe reactions in children and can be easily spread from person to person within a community. Vaccines help to avoid symptoms that may have lasting effects on your child, as well as prevent the spread of infection.

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What are the recommended vaccines for children?

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The CDC recommends children from birth to six years of age receive vaccines for:

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• Chickenpox, also called varicella

• Diphtheria

• Tetanus

• Pertussis (whooping cough)

• Hepatitis A and B

• Mumps

• Measles

• Rubella

• Polio

• Rotavirus

• Pneumococcus bacteria

• Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria (Hib)

 

Between the ages of 11 and 12, the CDC recommends children also receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) and meningococcal vaccine.

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Some vaccinations are combinations that prevent several diseases, such as the mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine. Some vaccinations require a series of immunizations given over time, such as hepatitis A and B.

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The team at Pediatrics R US is knowledgeable about the recommended schedule for childhood vaccinations and can answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your child’s immunization from common childhood diseases.

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To learn more about vaccines or to schedule your child’s vaccinations, call the office or schedule an appointment online with Pediatrics R US today.