Childhood Vaccines – Requirements & Reasons to Vax
Vaccines are designed to prevent infectious diseases such as polio that once spread rampantly among the population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Polio was nonexistent in the U.S. after 1979 due to high vaccination rates. Some parents are now choosing not to vaccinate their children, and Polio has resurfaced in some states.
The California Department of Public Health requires specific childhood immunizations before children are allowed to attend school. It is important that you schedule an appointment with your pediatrician or primary care provider to get the vaccines your child will need.
“As a pediatrician and parent”, says Ning Yang MD, “I encourage all of my patients to follow the recommended vaccine guidelines, and keep the following information in mind if you choose not to do so.”
If you plan to vaccinate children at some point, don’t delay vaccines. Some vaccines need to be given at specific intervals. If you delay the spacing between vaccines, it may make them less effective. Not starting vaccination when suggested may also leave your child vulnerable to diseases when they need protection the most.
Unvaccinated children are at risk of getting preventable diseases. Many of the diseases that vaccines have been developed for cause serious illness. Although these diseases may not be running rampant through our communities, there’s still a chance your child can contract one and get very sick. With more parents choosing to not vaccinate their children, diseases such as measles and whooping cough have become more common than they have been in many years.
Unvaccinated children may infect others who can’t be vaccinated. If your child develops a vaccine-preventable disease, they may infect others who are unable to be immunized due to age, medical reasons or a decision not to vaccinate.
If your child is sick, let health professionals know they are not vaccinated. Although vaccine-preventable diseases are rare, they are still possible. Letting a doctor, hospital, first responder or other health professional know your child’s vaccine status can help them determine if one of these diseases may be causing an illness. It also allows healthcare professionals to take all necessary precautions to protect your child and others.
Learn about vaccine-preventable diseases. Stay up to date about possible disease risk if you are traveling to locations where vaccine-preventable diseases may be present. Also pay attention to whether any cases of disease pop up in your community. Know the symptoms of any diseases your child may become exposed to and seek immediate medical help if your child develops these symptoms.
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