Immunizations

The Importance of Immunizations

Vaccines are responsible for the control of many infectious diseases that were once common in this country, including polio, measles, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), rubella (German measles), mumps, tetanus, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

Today we might not think of these diseases as being very serious because, thanks to vaccines, we don't see them as often as we used to. But they can still be deadly. Even today these diseases can lead to pneumonia, choking, brain damage, heart problems, and blindness and even death in children who are not protected. And they still kill children every year.

Immunizations for infants and children

While it's important for everyone to be immunized, infants are often more vulnerable to disease than older children and adults because their immune systems cannot easily fight off bacteria or viruses. Therefore it's important to have your child immunized by age 2.

Your child should get his first shots at 2 months of age (or in some cases before he leaves the hospital after birth). You will have to go back for more shots 4 or 5 times before the child starts school. Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to come back. Remember, each of these visits is important! Your child needs several doses of each vaccine to be completely protected.

These shots will protect your baby from nine diseases: measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and hepatitis B.

Childhood immunizations are very safe. But like any medicine they can occasionally cause reactions. Usually these are mild, like a sore arm or a slight fever. Serious reactions are rare, but they can happen. Your doctor or nurse will discuss these with you before giving the shots. The important thing to remember is that children are in much more danger from the diseases than from the shots.

If you have children who did not begin their immunizations at 2 months of age, or who have had only some of their shots, they can still be fully immunized. It is never too late to start getting immunizations.

Adolescent Immunizations

Immunizations are just as important for teens as they are for infants and children. There are many reasons that teens may need immunizations: Teens that were vaccinated as children may be due for booster shots as the protection from childhood immunizations starts to wear off. Teens can catch up on childhood immunizations they missed. New vaccines are available that can protect teens against more diseases.

Adult Immunizations

Adults, just like children and teens, need immunizations to stay healthy. Age, job, health conditions, activities, and other factors determine which immunizations you need.

Protect yourself, your family, and your community from unnecessary diseases. Talk to your physician if you have questions about any immunizations.