Immunizations are an essential part of keeping your child healthy. They protect your child and those around them from serious diseases such as measles, mumps, polio, whooping cough, and more. Unfortunately, a child’s immune system is more susceptible to disease and has a harder time-fighting infections. Therefore staying up to date on your child’s vaccinations is crucial.
Abra Health understands that many children are anxious about receiving immunizations. Our team is specially trained to work with children of all ages and will do everything possible to make your child’s experience comfortable and positive. In addition, we will answer any questions or concerns you may have about your child’s vaccines.
How Do Immunizations Work?
Immunizations contain a weakened or inactive form of the virus or bacteria that cause the disease. This allows the immune system to produce antibodies to the disease without the person getting sick. As a result, the vaccine stimulates the body’s natural immunity and helps build up protection against the disease. If the person is ever exposed to the disease, their immune system will be primed and ready to fight it off.
When Should My Child Receive an Immunization?
Typically most childhood immunizations are completed by age 6. However, vaccines are often given more than once during various stages of childhood as the body’s immunity changes with age. Keeping a record of your child’s immunizations is important and will help you ensure they are up to date. Keep in mind that vaccine recommendations may change over time as new immunizations become available or as our understanding of a disease changes.
Below is a schedule of when your child should receive certain immunizations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Hepatitis B (HepB) — At birth, two months, four months, and 6-18 months old.
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP/Tdap) — Two months, four months, six months, 15-18 months, 4-6 years, 11-12 years old (Tdap).
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) — Two months, four months, six months, 12-15 months old.
Polio (IPV) — Two months, four months, 6-18 months, 4-6 years old.
Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV13) — Two months, four months, six months, 12-15 months old.
Rotavirus (RV) — Two months, four months, six months old.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) — 12-15 months, 4-6 years old.
Chickenpox (Varicella) — 12-15 months, 4-6 years old.
Hepatitis A (HepA) — Two doses given six months apart routinely at age 12-23 months old.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) — 11-12 years old.
Meningococcal (Men-ACWY) — 11-12 years and 16-18 years old.
Meningococcal (MenB) — 16-18 years old.
Flu (Influenza) — Recommended yearly for everyone six months and older.
Immunization Concerns
We understand that some parents may be hesitant to vaccinate their children due to potential side effects or concerns. It’s important to remember that the risks posed by the diseases are much greater than the risks of the vaccines. In addition, most side effects from immunizations are minor and go away within a few days.
Some common side effects from immunizations include:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- A minor fever
- Body aches
- A temporary headache
- Fatigue
Immunizations are the most effective and safest way to protect your child from disease. They are essential to preventative care and help ensure a healthy childhood. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s immunizations, please contact us. Our staff of expert pediatricians would be more than happy to help.
Schedule Your Child’s Immunizations with Abra Health
Abra Health is committed to providing your child with outstanding medical care. By scheduling your child’s immunizations with us, we can help build a strong foundation for their health that will last a lifetime. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
