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Vaccinations, also called immunizations, are critical to your child’s health. These shots may hurt a little, but the diseases they prevent would hurt a lot more. Vaccinations can boost your child’s immune system and protect against diseases like:
Immunizations are important for adults and especially children, who have vulnerable growing bodies. Studies show that immunizations are effective—13 diseases prevented by childhood immunizations were at their lowest rate in history in the U.S. last year. Even with the host of benefits that come with vaccinations, one in every four children is not up to date on his or her vaccination schedule. In this post, we’ll provide more information about when and why you should vaccinate your child.
The immune system helps the body combat germs by producing antibodies, or germ-fighting substances, to resist them. Once the body does this, the immune system remembers and recognizes the germ and can combat it again. Vaccinations contain killed or weakened germs, which are then introduced into a healthy person’s body. The vaccine triggers the immune response, thus building immunity to the disease.
Your child’s first vaccinations should take place when he or she is only a few months old. Some vaccines may even be given at birth. Your doctor will give different immunizations at different developmental stages. The typical vaccine schedule is two, four, six, and twelve months of age. Booster shots are also usually recommended before the child enters day care or school.
Most states have laws that require parents to show proof of certain immunizations before their child can begin school or day care. Playgrounds and classrooms often heighten the risk of illness because of frequent interaction with a lot of children and their germs. Current vaccinations help protect your child from potential diseases as much as possible.
Almost any health care provider can give your child vaccinations, including physician’s assistants, nurses, and doctors. Visit your pediatrician or local health clinic to set up an appointment for vaccinations. Some areas also offer walk-in immunization clinics that do not require appointments and charge little to no fee.
