Infants and children, with their young immune systems, are vulnerable to many illnesses and diseases. As parents, we do everything we can to ensure our children are as healthy as possible. Getting children immunized or vaccinated is one way to keep them protected from many serious illnesses and death.
Vaccines save millions of lives every year, and thanks to them, many deadly diseases have been completely eliminated or are close to this stage. Let’s discuss immunization and its benefits on children’s health.
Becoming Immune To Bacteria and Viruses
The process of immunization can be explained by this: when the immune system is exposed to a very small, weakened version of the bacteria or virus, it becomes immune to it. If and when those who are vaccinated against a certain bacteria or virus are exposed to it, their immune system fights it, but unlike those who are unvaccinated, the vaccinated are protected from becoming sick, as they have already become immune to it. The immunized are protected against experiencing severe and potentially life-threatening effects associated with the specific illness or disease.
What Immunizations Should Children Get?
Vaccine recommendations for children according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines include the following:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Rotavirus
- DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis)
- Hib (Haemophilus influenza type b)
- PCV13 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine 13-valent)
- Meningococcal vaccines
- IPV (inactivated poliovirus vaccine)
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Varicella or Chickenpox
- Covid-19 for children ages 5 and older
These vaccines are taken at different stages in a child’s life. They start during infancy and continue until the child reaches 18 years of age. To find out what vaccines your child should get, talk with your child’s primary care doctor.
Benefits of Immunizations
The benefits of immunizations include:
- Vaccines save your child from deadly diseases such as polio, smallpox, measles, and whooping cough. There was a time when these diseases would claim the lives of thousands of children, and those who survived would have disabilities.
- Vaccines protect others who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborn babies and cancer patients. Getting your child vaccinated protects your family and others, as well as preventing community outbreaks.
- Vaccines are safe and effective. Immunizations that are approved for use in infants and children are carefully and lengthily reviewed by doctors, scientists, and healthcare professionals.
- Child immunizations save money in healthcare costs, helping prevent expensive treatments for vaccine-preventable illnesses and diseases.
Child Immunizations in Tuckahoe, NY
Make sure your child is up-to-date on their vaccinations. At Village Pediatric Group, our pediatricians can assist you with fulfilling your child’s vaccine requirements for school and according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
The Village Pediatric Group specializes in healthcare for children and offers mental and behavioral health services, adolescent services, well-child visits and physicals, and much more. We are happy to provide a range of services your child needs to stay healthy and happy, and reach their full potential.
For any questions or to schedule a consultation with one of our pediatricians, call our pediatric clinic in Tuckahoe today at (914) 771-7070 or use our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to being your partner in your child’s health.
