Vaccinations
What Are Vaccines?
Vaccines are an essential part of protecting your child's health and protecting the health of the greater community around them. Vaccination is a process that utilizes the body's natural ability to build immunity against the disease to which it has been exposed. Some vaccines offer a lifetime of immunity after just one dose, while others need repeating. The flu shot is an example of a vaccine that is given annually and only protects against influenza for one year. Some vaccines, like hepatitis, require a series of doses for total immunization.
Why Does My Child Need Vaccinations?
Vaccination not only prevents your child from getting infectious diseases, but also prevents the spread of these diseases, which are often dangerous or fatal for children and others. Diseases like chickenpox, measles, rubella, and whooping cough are highly contagious and may cause severe reactions or death in children and other vulnerable populations. It is for this reason that most schools require vaccinations before children can be enrolled in classes.
What Are The Recommended Vaccines For Children?
According to the CDC, children from birth to six years of age should receive vaccines for:
- Chickenpox, also called varicella
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Hepatitis A and B
- Mumps
- Measles
- Rubella
- Polio
- Rotavirus
- Pneumococcus bacteria
- Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria (Hib)
The CDC also recommends that children between the ages of 11 and 12 receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) and meningococcal vaccines. We offer all CDC-recommended newborn and childhood vaccines.
A vaccine works by training the immune system to recognize and combat infectious disease. To do this, certain molecules (called antigens) are introduced into the body. This allows the body it to safely learn to recognize them and be able to quickly fight off any future exposure. When and if they are exposed later in life, they either don't get infected, or their symptoms are milder than with the full-blown disease.
A vaccine works by training the immune system to recognize and combat infectious disease. To do this, certain molecules (called antigens) are introduced into the body. This allows the body it to safely learn to recognize them and be able to quickly fight off any future exposure. When and if they are exposed later in life, they either don't get infected, or their symptoms are milder than with the full-blown disease.
Next Steps
Get the care you need when you need it, whether it's a routine checkup or a more urgent matter.
Schedule a same day or future appointment at Heber Valley Pediatrics.
Chat with a provider about personalized treatment, payment, and insurance.
Get the care that's right for your child, wherever they are developmentally.
Review notes from your provider through our patient portal. Book a yearly exam ahead of time.