Child Immunization: The Essentials of Proper Vaccinations

Vaccinations are essential to the health of your children. They protect your children from potentially deadly diseases like tetanus or diptheria. This protection is offered in the form of just a few shots that contain a weakened version of the virus, helping your children to build a natural immunity to it. Even children who cannot be vaccinated directly are protected by these vaccines because the majority of the rest of the population is protected against the diseases, thereby minimizing the risk of their spread.

Your Bolingbrook IL pediatrician can help you understand the appropriate vaccine schedule and what each of these vaccines contain, as well as what purpose they serve. Here’s a brief overview:

Child Immunization The Essentials of Proper Vaccinations

Vaccine Schedule

Your child will receive a number of vaccines in the first year of their life, and will finish receiving most vaccinations by the time they turn six. By the time your child reaches the age of two, they should have received:

  • 4 Hib (Haemophilus influenza) vaccinations to prevent this common, upper-respiratory infection that can cause meningitis
  • 4 vaccinations for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
  • 4 vaccinations for pneumococcal disease, which commonly leads to ear infections and pneumonia
  • 3 to 4 polio vaccinations
  • 3 vaccinations for Hepatitis B
  • 3 vaccinations for rotavirus, which can cause an illness leading to severe diarrhea
  • 1 vaccination for chicken pox
  • 1 vaccination for measles, mumps, and rubella

Multiple vaccinations are required for certain illnesses to build up enough antibodies and to create adequate protection.

Between the ages of four and six, your child will receive booster shots for measles, mumps, and rubella; diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis; chickenpox; and polio. Your pediatrician will also likely recommend that your child is vaccinated against hepatitis A, though it is usually not required by schools.

Keeping Track of Immunizations

You may find it confusing to keep up with all these immunizations and when they must be administered. Fortunately, your Bolinbrook IL pediatrician will know the appropriate schedule and will advise you of when it’s time to get immunizations. Your pediatrician will also keep a record of all vaccinations given and the dates on which they were given.

You can keep your own record also for your convenience, ensuring that you have the information you need if you have to change doctors or have to reference the dates. Ask your pediatrician for an immunization form, and have the nurse or doctor fill it out each time your child receives a vaccination. You can also ask your pediatrician if they participate in the immunization registry. If so, you can pull up your records any time you need them.

Showing Proof of Immunization

Note that your own records usually will not suffice when your child is entering school or day care. You will need to submit a form that is signed by your doctor. Some schools or day care providers may give you a form, which you would then send to your pediatrician to fill out and sign. In other cases, the doctor may provide a printout of immunization records, which you can then submit to the school. Just ask the school or day care provider what is required.

Vaccinations can protect your child from serious illness, ensuring that they have a healthy start in life. Some vaccines can even protect your child from life-threatening or disfiguring illnesses. If you have any questions about the safety of the vaccines – which have been proven through extensive research – discuss your concerns with your pediatrician. Do not let misinformation from unproven sources deter you from getting the care that your child needs. Let your pediatrician be your guide.

A2Z Pediatrics is a highly trusted Bolingbrook IL pediatrician. We offer Bolingbrook immunizations, as well as routine child care, including wellness checks. We also offer specialty child healthcare, such as ADHD evaluations, allergy assessments, and high risk health care. We treat children from newborns through the teenage years. Our committed team of doctors and nurses have a reputation for quality health care, earning them top reviews on sites like Google and Yelp. Call us today to make an appointment with a pediatrician if you need Bolingbrook immunizations, or if you need other healthcare for your child.

A2Z Pediatrics
550 E Boughton Rd #110
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Email: info@azmedpeds.com
Phone: 630-755-5437
Website: https://azmedpeds.com/