The best way to care for your child is with preventative care. This way, you’re helping them avoid any diseases that may come their way and they’re protected while they’re on the playground. Immunizations are vital when it comes to protecting your child from germs that can be found while they’re playing with other kids or are just out in public. Because of these vaccines, you no longer have to worry about your child suffering from infections like smallpox or polio that can cause long-term damage and issues.
Why Immunizations Are So Important
As soon as your child is born, they’ll receive their first immunization. These shots will help keep your child safe and help their growing body fight off any illnesses that may come their way. It’s much easier to take this preventative step than it is to care for your child after they’ve contracted a disease. This helps you avoid any long-term effects that any of these diseases may have to your child’s health.
Getting your child immunized also helps the community in the long run by protecting others who aren’t able to be vaccinated for various reasons. Immunizations also save you money by helping you avoid extra visits to the doctor.
From the time that they’re born to around 6 years old, you should expect to visit your child’s pediatrician more than once a year for checkups and to maintain their immunization schedule. Some of the common immunizations include:
- Hepatitis B
- Rotavirus
- Tetanus
- Poliovirus
- Influenza
- Measles, mumps, rubella
- Hepatitis A
- Human papillomavirus
Once your child gets older, they’ll only need to maintain their flu shot once a year and their tetanus shot every 10 years.
Contact Your Pediatrician Today!
If you have any questions about immunizations, feel free to call our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-7400!
Recommended Immunization Schedule
- 0-6 Years -Schedule for Persons Aged 0 Through 6 Years | 2011
- 7-18 Years-Schedule for Persons Aged 7 Through 18 Years | 2011
- Catch-up Schedule -Schedule for Persons Aged 4 Months Through 18 Years Who Start Late or Who Are More Than 1 Month Behind | 2011
Resources
Vaccine Safety: The Facts Safety facts on vaccines from the AAP.
