According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), immunizations are important for children of all ages. For infants and young children, CDC recommended vaccines help protect against 14 serious diseases, including measles, meningitis, polio, and whooping cough. For adolescents and teens, recommended vaccines help protect against 4 serious diseases: meningitis, HPV-related cancers such as cervical cancer, hepatitis B-related liver cancer, and influenza.
The recommended immunization schedule for children is designed to protect them from a variety of diseases. Most doctors and school systems rely on this schedule when caring for or enrolling children. It is important to follow this schedule to protect your child and support a healthy life for them.
What Happens During Immunization?
Immunization involves administering a vaccine to help the body build immunity to a specific disease. Vaccines contain viruses, bacteria, or other organisms that have been weakened or killed, so that they can’t cause disease. As the body recognizes these foreign invaders, it begins to produce antibodies to fight them off. The next time vaccinated children are exposed to the same virus, bacteria, or other organism, their immune system is primed and ready to protect them.
How To Help Children Prepare for Immunization Shots
It is important to help children prepare for their immunization shots, so they feel safe, relaxed, and comfortable. For children under the age of 3, it is best to inform them using a positive tone on the day of the appointment, but no other preparations are necessary beforehand. For children over the age of 3, make sure they are well-rested, calm, and relaxed, and have a light meal before their appointment. It is also helpful to explain the procedure to them in simple terms, so they know what to expect. Finally, stay with them when they get the injection, so they feel supported.
Children, especially very young ones, turn to their parents for support in unfamiliar and frightening situations. So, hold their hand or hold them in your arms when they get their injection, and offer encouraging and comforting words. You can also keep them distracted from the pain by playing games and telling jokes. Allow them to bring their favorite blanket or toy during the appointment.
After the immunization is complete, comfort children and celebrate the milestone by taking them out to their favorite restaurant, candy store, or ice cream shop. If parents can successfully associate vaccinations with a positive experience in their children’s minds – that’s most of the battle.
Immunization for Children in Tuckahoe, NY
The pediatricians at The Village Pediatric Group provide the complete list of vaccines that children need to keep them protected from serious illnesses and diseases, according to the CDC’s immunization schedule for children. Our pediatric clinic is a relaxing and fun environment for kids, and our physicians are highly trained in effective communication with children. We dedicate our lives to children’s health, and we deeply care about your child’s experience in our clinic.
For any questions or to schedule an appointment, call our pediatric clinic today at (914) 771-7070 or use our convenient online request form.
