1. Childhood Immunizations Protect Against Serious Illness
Childhood immunizations protect your child from serious illness. From measles, mumps and rubella to polio, the list of preventable serious diseases now numbers more than 12 and is growing. Thus the need for more immunizations. For example, an immunization for adolescent girls is now available to protect against the human papillomavirus, which causes genital warts and is the main cause of cervical cancer. Unlike our grandparents, parents today have the opportunity to protect their children with immunizations against many diseases that once caused serious illness, lifelong disability or even death.
2. Childhood Immunizations Must be Given at the Right Age
Remember that immunizations must be given at the right age to be effective. For example, immunizations against measles, mumps and rubella, called the MMR vaccine, and varicella, or chicken pox, are not given until a child is between 12 to15 months old, while the first of a series of immunizations against Hepatitis B is given at birth. It is important to give your child his immunizations at the correct age to ensure that he develops the proper immunity. Your pediatrician can give you the recommended childhood immunization schedule and tell you when to come in for your child’s shots.
3. Some Childhood Immunizations Require Booster Shots
To ensure continued protection against disease, some childhood immunizations require periodic booster shots. The recommended ages for these booster shots are included in the childhood immunization schedule that your pediatrician provides. Unlike other childhood immunizations, the vaccine against influenza must be given yearly to be effective. It is recommended for children age 6 months to 5 years old. After that, the flu vaccine is recommended for children in groups—such as those with chronic disease—that are at greater risk of complications from the illness.
4. Most Side Effects are Mild and Temporary
As a parent, you may wonder about the side effects associated with childhood immunizations. Fortunately, most childhood immunizations have only minor side effects, such as temporary redness or swelling of the injection site. More serious side effects are rare. Some scientists, as well as parents of children with the developmental disorder known as autism, have questioned whether childhood immunizations are linked to the disorder, but scientific studies have not found an association.
5. Schools Require Childhood Immunizations
Parents of children enrolling in school must provide documentation of state-required childhood immunizations. Since laws vary from state to state, check with your school or state health department to find out which childhood immunizations are required. Exemptions may be approved in cases where an immunization cannot be given for medical or personal reasons.
