Immunizations are a central part of your child’s health care and a need that should not be overlooked. Families in Vidalia, Georgia, who turn to Vidalia Pediatric Clinic for comprehensive pediatric health care have access to all of the vaccines recommended by the world’s leading health authorities and the support of a caring staff who ensures those vaccines are administered on the proper schedule. Booking an appointment by calling (912) 537-9355.
request an appointmentWhy does my child need vaccines?
Vaccines are among the most impactful innovations in medicine in many decades and have truly revolutionized health care in the developed world. While some areas of the world continue to struggle with sweeping bouts of deadly disease, Americans do not live in fear of diseases like polio, whooping cough, and measles.
Immunization is part of why the human lifespan is longer now than ever before in recorded history. It is a vital component of both personal and public health and is strongly recommended by professional medical associations and health organizations.
How do vaccines work?
The best way to understand how vaccines work is to consider how your immune system functions. When your body detects the presence of a potentially harmful germ, also called an antigen, it responds by launching a strong response.
Your body creates antibodies, which are special proteins that bind to antigens and prevent them from doing harm. This process is complex and astounding in its power. Once you’ve produced antibodies in response to a particular antigen, those antibodies remain with you for the rest of your life, ready to spring back into action if you ever encounter that antigen in the future.
Vaccines are specially formulated versions of specific antigens. They are created from dead or weakened strains of the antigen and are administered in tiny volumes. When you receive a vaccine injection, your body responds swiftly to produce antibodies, the same process that would occur if you were exposed to the full-strength version.
The difference is, vaccines allow your immune system to develop a natural immunity without having to fight off an infection. Childhood immunizations work as training exercises, building a child’s immunity over time.
What kinds of vaccines are recommended for children?
Your child will receive numerous vaccines as they move through the phases of childhood. Some of the recommended vaccines include:
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DTaP)
- Influenza (flu)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Pneumococcal
The sheer volume of vaccines can seem overwhelming, but as noted, several vaccines are available in a combination form, which means fewer injections.
Learn more about vaccines or have your child’s shot record reviewed, call Vidalia Pediatric Clinic to book an appointment. Online scheduling is also available and takes just moments to complete.