Protecting your child against most preventable diseases starts with vaccinations. Keeping your child on a vaccination schedule is how many pediatricians ensure your child is the healthiest. Healthcare providers work with you to ensure you don’t worry about missing a vaccination. We do our best to guarantee that your child is as protected as possible against all preventable diseases.
Caring for Your Child’s Health With Vaccines
During pregnancy, your immune system protects your child from diseases. Some antibodies are carried over when your child is born that provide protection. And, for months after, breastfeeding can help too. But when your child is no longer breastfeeding, they are again susceptible to diseases. That is why vaccinations are so necessary. They provide a permanent boost to the antibodies in your child’s body.
Vaccinations have dead or weak versions of the disease being protected against in them. This process allows the body to rehearse the best way to fight against the disease without the side effects of sickness. Later in life, if your child is exposed to a disease they’ve been vaccinated against, they’ll be prepared to fight them off. Vaccines have also led to many diseases being almost eradicated over the years. Maintaining a regular vaccination schedule keeps these diseases in the past.
Many pediatric practices follow the strict guidelines the American Academy of Pediatrics sets. These guidelines set a vaccination schedule and guide for a child’s vaccines. These vaccines are:
- Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine (DTaP)
- Hepatitis A vaccine (HepA)
- Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) vaccine
- Hepatitis B vaccine (HepB)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
- Influenza vaccine
- Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR)
- Meningococcal vaccines (MenACWY, MenB)
- Pneumococcal vaccines (PCV13, PPSV23)
- Polio vaccine (IPV)
- Rotavirus vaccine (RV)
- COVID-19 vaccine
Some of the vaccines listed require additional shots throughout childhood to remain effective. These are called “booster shots.” During a routine appointment for vaccinations, it’s common for your child to receive more than just one shot. Doing this simulates real life since you’re exposed to multiple diseases daily. This practice does not threaten the overall health of your child.
A Healthy Life Begins with Vaccinations
Many things can be done to protect your child against illnesses. However, vaccinating early in life is one of the most important things you can do. Childhood and infant mortality rates are at an all-time low now that vaccines are being implemented. Vaccines are essential in ensuring that your child is protected from deadly diseases. In fact, with the help of vaccines, all of these diseases are preventable.
As pediatricians, weParagon Pediatrics ensures that your care is personalized for you and your child, established by a close relationship with your doctor. Waiting times are low, and there are multiple ways to contact your provider with questions. Most offer many options; you can call, video chat, text, or email the office with any questions about vaccinations or vaccine schedules. And you will be updated any time there is news about the vaccinations so that you’re well-informed. The health of your child is essential to you, and it’s also vital to your pediatrician.
