Health tops the list of things parents want for their children. Vaccines that help prevent communicable diseases and complications are essential to help kids of all ages stay healthy throughout the year and for the long term.
Let’s learn more about vaccines, a list of nine vaccines your child needs, and where you can get your child vaccinated in Purchase, NY.
The Vaccine Schedule
It’s compiled according to extensive research by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publish a schedule of vaccines to be administered in prescribed doses at the right time during a child’s development. There are two schedules: birth to six years and seven to 18 years. Also, there is a catch-up schedule for kids who are not up to date with their shots.
These vaccines are composed of weakened or live versions of the microorganisms which cause communicable diseases. These medications help boost the child’s natural immunity against flu, hepatitis, measles, and other potentially dangerous and deadly illnesses.
The Advantages of Childhood Vaccines
Before the development of vaccines, children often succumbed to illnesses like influenza, or their health suffered severe impacts, such as blindness, paralysis, and more. However, with the advent of vaccines, many childhood sicknesses, such as devastating polio and smallpox, have been almost eradicated in developed countries like the United States.
Additionally, despite much controversy about whether or not to vaccinate kids, immunizations are well-researched and tested for safety and effectiveness. Risks are minimal, with mild fever and site soreness being the most common side effects. Doctors believe these minor side effects outweigh the potentially catastrophic complications that communicable childhood diseases pose to kids, their families, and communities.
Your child’s pediatrician usually administers vaccines during periodic well-child visits. Or, you can make an appointment for a vaccine, such as the influenza shot, if your child needs one before his or her usual check-up.
Nine Vaccines Your Child Needs
Here is a list of nine vaccines your child needs early on in his or her development. Some shots need more than one dose, separated by a prescribed period of time.
HepA
This liver infection originates in contaminated food or water sources.
HepB
Coming from infected body fluids, hepatitis B (along with hepatitis A) does long-term liver damage.
RV
The rotavirus is highly contagious among the youngest patients, causing extreme nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and high fevers.
DTaP
This trivalent vaccine protects against diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough), known for their extreme respiratory symptoms, and tetanus (lockjaw), which causes muscular contractions of the face, chest muscles, and extremities.
Hib
Haemophilus flu type B causes brain inflammation and lung infections.
PCVI3
This vaccine protects against pneumococcal pneumonia, along with brain and blood infections.
IPV
This vaccine against polio has eliminated this infectious disease that paralyzes the legs and the muscular diaphragm that controls breathing.
MMR
This is the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine that avoid congenital disabilities, miscarriages, and sterility.
COVID-19
Still important post-epidemic, the COVID-19 vaccine is approved for babies and children ages six months and up.
Vaccines for Kids in Purchase, NY
At Westchester Park Pediatrics, our doctors are passionate about keeping kids healthy. We follow the CDC and AAP schedules and provide parents with vaccine documentation needed for travel, school, sports participation, daycare, and more.
For any questions about vaccines, call us today at (914) 761-1717, or request a well-child appointment online. We look forward to serving your family!
