Routine immunizations are foundational to your child’s health and well-being. These “shots” help boost the body’s own natural defenses against various communicable diseases, such as measles, flu, mumps, and many more. Your child’s pediatrician will help you keep up to date on your child’s immunization schedule. Read on to learn more about the importance of staying current on your child’s vaccines.
How Do Childhood Vaccines Work?
Childhood vaccines work by introducing a small amount of a disease-causing organism, such as a virus or bacteria, into your child’s body. The shots trigger the immune system to produce antibodies and other defenses against the specific illness.
Childhood vaccines not only protect individual children who receive them but they also contribute to overall community health. When enough people are vaccinated against a disease, it becomes harder for the disease to spread. This also helps protect anyone unable to receive vaccines due to medical reasons, a concept known as herd immunity.
Why Is It Important to Stick to Your Child’s Immunization Schedule?
The recommended immunization schedule has been studied and developed by the Centers for Disease Control, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other healthcare entities. According to the schedules for birth through six years and seven through 18 years, children receive their shots when they are likely most vulnerable to certain illnesses.
By sticking to the published schedule, you help to ensure your child receives maximum protection during important periods of growth and development. Additionally, delaying or skipping vaccines can leave children susceptible to serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.
Receiving Important Childhood Immunizations at the Well-Child Visit
At well-child visits with your pediatrician in Purchase, NY, your youngster will receive the vaccines appropriate to their:
- Age
- Health status
- Previous vaccinations
The well-child check-up also provides you, the parent, the opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have regarding the schedule or the shots themselves. Remember that vaccinations are:
- Studied and developed to be safe and effective in preventing communicable diseases
- Approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Typically cause only minor localized reactions, such as a sore arm or mild body aches and pains
- One of the best ways to protect kids from communicable diseases that may cause serious health complications
- Required for your child’s attendance at New York State schools, daycares, camps, and other entities where children gather
- Documented for each child receiving them in the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS)
- Stored with your child’s electronic health record in our office to be distributed as needed to school, daycare, and more (plus parents can receive copies of the vaccination record)
What Immunizations Will My Child Receive?
Common immunizations received at well-child visits are:
- Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP)
- Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
- Rotavirus
- Influenza
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13)
- Hepatitis A and B
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccine
Some vaccines are given in single, one-time doses. Others, such as the DtaP, are combination shots. Even methods of administration can vary as some vaccines are given through injection and others by nasal spray, like the flu vaccine.
By the time your child is 15 months old, they should have received a total of 10 different kinds of vaccines at various intervals. The immunization schedule begins at birth with the Hepatitis B vaccine and continues through their teen years.
The New York State Immunization Information System
The New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS) is an important tool in keeping track of vaccinations for children and adults alike. This system was established by the New York
State Department of Health to help healthcare providers, schools, daycares, and other organizations keep track of shot records. Through the NYSISS, your child’s pediatrician can help you get your child’s record of immunizations that were administered by other healthcare providers.
Be sure to keep your copy of your child’s immunization record in a safe place at home. You may also keep your own handwritten or computer-stored documentation of immunizations to be updated with day, date, and type of shot after each pediatrician’s visit.
Learn the Specifics of Your Child’s Immunization Schedule
At Westchester Park Pediatrics, our professional and caring team is dedicated to helping children grow and develop into healthy young adults. Our six board-certified pediatricians and their support staff care for children from birth through age 15, delivering acute, chronic, and preventative care, including well-child visits and vaccinations.
To learn more about the specifics of the childhood immunization schedule, call our office today at (914) 761-1717. You also may request a visit online. We look forward to seeing you and your child soon!
