Vaccinations for Children
Being a parent means you likely worry about keeping your child safe and healthy. You treat bumps and bruises, and soothe them when they're sick. Routine wellness visits that include vaccines are another important way to protect your child's health.
Learn why doctors recommend certain vaccines and when your child should get them. Below are answers to some common questions you might have.
What's a Vaccine?
It's an an injectable or oral medicine that protects you against a serious or deadly disease. A vaccine helps your immune system build the tools, called antibodies, it needs to fight viruses and bacteria that cause illnesses. It can take a few weeks for the body to make those antibodies. So if you're exposed to the disease right before or right after getting the vaccine for it, you could still get sick.
Which Ones Does My Child Need?
Almost all healthy kids should get vaccines as they grow up. Your child’s doctor can help you know when it’s time for vaccinations. You can also find out more about the vaccination schedule from the CDC.
Here are the shots doctors recommend for most kids:
Birth Through 6 Years
7 Through 18 Years Old
Your child will also need these shots if they didn’t get them before age 7:
Why So Many Shots at Once?
Scientists base the timing of vaccines for children on a few things:
You might wonder if it’s OK to space out your child’s shots. But keep in mind that there’s lots of evidence that the vaccine schedule recommended by the CDC is the best for children. And there’s no evidence that any other schedule is safer or works better.
A child's body fights off up to 6,000 germs every day. The total amount that a standard round of vaccines exposes them to is only 150.
Why Is My Child Getting The Same Vaccine, Again?
Some vaccines need more than one dose to help the immune system build up enough tools to protect the body. It’s important to get all the doses in a vaccine series. If you don't, your child isn’t getting full protection.
Other vaccines wear off over time. "Booster" shots make sure the immune system can still fight a disease.
If your child misses a dose, talk to their doctor to get it rescheduled.The CDC has a “Catch-Up Immunization Schedule” for people who miss shots.
Who Shouldn't Be Vaccinated?
If your child has a cold, it’s usually OK for them to get their shots on time. But if they're very ill, the doctor may want to wait a while. Make sure the doctor knows if your child is or has been sick before they get a vaccine.
People with certain cancers and immune system problems should not get vaccines made with live viruses. These include the nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist), chickenpox (varicella), and MMR. Be sure your child’s doctor knows about all their health conditions.
If your child has had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine in the past, they shouldn’t get that shot again. They may also need to skip a vaccine if they have a severe allergy to:
The doctor can tell you whether or not a vaccine is right for your child.
What About Side Effects?
Vaccines, like any medicine, can cause side effects.
Most reactions are mild and don’t last very long. Your child may:
Some kids also get swollen lymph nodes and joint pain. This type of reaction usually goes away without treatment. But make sure you call the doctor if it happens.
Serious problems from vaccines are rare. Call your child’s doctor right away if you notice the following after a vaccination:
What if I Don't Vaccinate My Child?
Your child will be at risk for many serious or deadly diseases. If they get sick, they can spread the germs to babies who have not yet been vaccinated or to others who cannot get a vaccine.
Remember, your pediatrician wants to make sure your child is safe and healthy. If you have concerns, ask about them. Together you can decide what's best for your child.
Posted : 2023-12-07 16:06
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