Children are the most ‘at risk’ group concerning illness. The current state of national emergency with H1N1 has brought attention to some of the other preventable diseases and illnesses. Here is what you can do to protect your child’s health by taking the proper steps to prevent illness with immunizations.
Immunizations start right after birth, and many are given throughout a baby’s first 23 months. Booster shots (the later doses of any vaccines that need to be repeated over time) occur throughout life. Before beginning any type of immunization schedule, you should always talk with your pediatrician about possible side effects and pre existing conditions that your child may to help prevent complications of the shots. You may also want to set up an immunization schedule with your doctor as timing of each shot is crucial to prevention.
Immunizations shots are given to children to prevent the following illnesses:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Polio
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Chickenpox
- Rotavirus
- Bacterial Meningitis
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis A
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Haemophilus influenzae Type b disease (HIB disease)
- Pneumococcal disease and Flu (influenza)
Please review the attached recommended Immunization Schedule approved by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Fewer immunizations are needed after age 6 although older children and teens need shots too (such as those for bacterial meningitis and for tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough). Some shots, such as Tetanus, are also given during adulthood.
It is important to keep good records including immunizations received and a list of any reactions to the vaccines, as your child may need them later for acceptance to schools and for travel purposes.
What about negative side effects? The CDC is aware that there are myths and misinformation about vaccine safety abound that can confuse parents who are trying to make sound decisions about their children’s healthcare. While some of the sickness or reactions that follow vaccination may be caused by the vaccine, many are unrelated events that occur by coincidence after vaccination. Therefore, the scientific research that attempts to distinguish true vaccine adverse events from unrelated, chance occurrences is important. The CDC is responsible for ongoing research, noting all cases of adverse reactions and complications. Overall the benefits clearly outway the negative side effects and vaccinations are promoted and encouraged by the CDC.
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/updates/
http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres/child.html