The Importance of Your Child's Immunization and Health Checkups

Immunization is one of the most cost-effective methods of preventing diseases. Every year, around 300 children and 42,000 adults die from vaccine-preventable diseases. CDC emphasizes the role of parents in improving immunization rates. Every year, the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) rolls out new information during August, the National Immunization Awareness Month.

A critical part of taking care of your baby and keeping him healthy is taking him/her to a pediatrician for check-ups and immunization. The doctor measures and weighs your baby to ensure that he is growing at a healthy rate. During this check-up, your doctor will also check your baby's hearing and eyesight.

Thanks to advances in medical science, immunizations can help you save your child's life as your child stays protected against diseases. Because of vaccinations, there are no reports of polio in the U.S. Children feel a little discomfort when a doctor or nurse administers a vaccine. In rare cases, there can be some serious side effects of the vaccination, such as an allergic reaction. However, the disease-prevention benefits of vaccines are much greater than the side effects.

Your pediatrician should check your when he is:

Make sure your baby gets the following shots within his first fifteen months.

Here is the schedule you should follow for your child.

At Birth

At two months

At four months

At six months

At 12 months

At 15 months

At 18 months

Between 4 to 6 years of age

At 11 years

In some cases, additional vaccines are needed for children at high risk. The best person who can recommend vaccines for your growing child is his/her pediatrician. Your family doctor can also recommend a revised vaccination schedule for parents who may miss an important vaccine.

Final Thoughts

Vaccines are successfully reducing and eliminating diseases that once resulted in disabilities or even deaths. For instance, smallpox vaccination eradicated the disease worldwide. As a parent, it is your responsibility to make sure your children get immunized at the right time. You can also get in touch with your local health department that gives shots to children or get in touch with your pediatrician.

Author
LaSante Health Center

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