Why Are Immunizations Important?

Why Are Immunizations Important?

It's a question that can be difficult to answer, especially if you feel overwhelmed with the amount of information circulating vaccines and your child. But the good news is that you already have access to a health professional who not only is actively helping care for the health of your child but also administers these same immunizations, your Alexandria, VA, pediatrician. You can learn more about immunizations by reading below or by contacting Dr. Lisa Rainey and Dr. Perdita Taylor-Zapata of West End Pediatrics.

Isn't the Immune System Enough?

The immune system is typically very capable of protecting your child against different types of viruses, bacteria, and other types of invaders. But just as it is capable the immune system remains at risk of becoming overwhelmed, particularly if it's battling an enemy with which it's unfamiliar. That's where immunizations can help.

Immunizations

In essence, immunizations help the body's immune system by teaching it to recognize a specific type of disease. The following explanation is very simplified, but the way that vaccines work is by introducing an inert version of a disease so that the immune system can learn how to react if it ever comes into contact with the real thing.

Benefits

Vaccines not only protect your child against disease, but they also help protect children everywhere. Thanks to widespread immunizations, the risk is greatly reduced that someone whose immune system is vulnerable to a particular disease will be exposed to it. It's the reason why many diseases that were once so prevalent and threatened so many lives are now nearly eradicated.

Immunizations in Alexandria, VA

Immunizations are not given out all at once to children, instead, they are spread out and given when they will be the most effective, and some are given more than once. These follow the immunization schedule as recommended by experts and can be viewed on the CDC website if you'd like to know more. But you can also meet with your child's pediatrician to stay on track with their immunizations and schedule a visit with Dr. Rainey and Dr. Taylor-Zapata of West End Pediatrics in Alexandria, VA, by dialing (703) 823-7400.