Immunizations

Mothers pass antibodies to their babies while in the womb, and breastmilk continues to supply more antibodies, but neither provides long-term protection.

Dozens of diseases are at their lowest levels in history due to the development of immunizations and their widespread use. Childhood vaccines are administered for protection against diseases, such as measles, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis).

Vaccinations create an immunity (or protection from) to some diseases. The immunity is created by stimulating the body’s immune system to react by administering a small dose of killed or weakened germ that causes the disease. These germs can be viruses or bacteria, depending on the source of the disease. By stimulating the immune system, the body then remembers the germ if it is introduced into the system later in life.

There are four types of vaccines: Attenuated or weakened live viruses, killed viruses, toxoid vaccines, and conjugate vaccines. The vaccines are bacterial-based.

Due to the number of immunizations recommended throughout childhood, the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) recommends combining as many as possible to reduce the number of shots that a child must have.

Some parents worry about vaccinating their children, as they have questions about whether the immunization will make them ill. While there could some soreness to the injection site and a possible mild reaction, serious reactions are rare. The risk of a serious disease far outweighs the possibility of a slight reaction to a vaccine.

Call 281-592-6000 today to set up an appointment to see if your child is up-to-date on their immunization schedule.