Vaccinations

When your body is exposed to germs, the immune system recognizes them and produces antibodies to fight the off the germs. Vaccines work in a similar way. Vaccines contain dead or weak versions of the antigens that cause certain diseases. When injected with the antigens, your body creates antibodies to help protect you from the getting the disease. Immunization (Vaccination) is a way of creating immunity from specific diseases.

Vaccines are safe and important. The protection provided by them far outweighs any slight risk of problems or side effects. Some vaccines may cause mild temporary side effects such as fever or soreness. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children receive multiple vaccines whenever possible. Receiving several vaccines at once helps to reduce the number of shots a child receives.

The immunization schedules below are from the recommendations of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The schedules were created to protect children, who are most vulnerable in their early stages of development before they are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.

If you have any questions or if your child has missed any of the shots listed, call our offices to speak with the doctor.