What are vaccines?
Vaccines provide immunization against contracting and spreading potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines work by introducing small amounts of a biologically-prepared weakened or dead form of a virus, that prompts your child’s immune system to recognize and fight the organism. Once your child’s body understands how to fight the weakened version of the disease, cells are left behind in your child’s body that combat any future exposure.
When do I start vaccinating my child?
As soon as your child is born, your baby’s immune system is hard at work protecting your child, which is why Dr. Flynn recommends starting your vaccination schedule soon after birth. Most vaccines are administered and boosted during the first two years of your baby’s life, although some vaccinations may need to be updated later.
Dr. Flynn will provide you with a recommended vaccination schedule to make sure your baby gets the protection he or she needs for a healthy, happy start in life.
What will my child be protected against?
Vaccines provide protection against 14 diseases before your baby turns two, including:
- Chickenpox
- Diphtheria
- Flu (influenza)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Hib
- Measles
- Mumps
- Polio
- Pneumococcal
- Rotavirus
- Rubella
- Tetanus
- Whooping cough (pertussis)
As your child ages, further vaccinations also provide protection against the flu and the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Are vaccines effective?
There has been a lot of controversy surrounding vaccinations recently, but the bottom line is that vaccines work. The incidence of all of the diseases that vaccines defend against has dropped considerably since the introduction of vaccines.
For example, in 2000, the Center for Disease Control declared that vaccinations eradicated measles in the United States. Vaccines not only provide protection against serious, preventable diseases, they also prevent the spread of diseases.
Are vaccines safe?
Vaccines are generally safe. If there are side effects, they may include:
- Injection site reactions, including redness, tenderness, and swelling
- Mild fever
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Shivering or chills
These side effects generally resolve themselves in a day or two. But if they persist, call to make an appointment with Bloomfield, NJ pediatrician Dr. Flynn. In rare cases, allergic reactions have been reported, but they can be dealt with promptly at his office.
