Immuniztions in Palatine at Epic Urgent & Family Care
You are a brand new parent and are embarking on the task of getting vaccines and immunizations for your baby. But with so much information out there, it can quickly get overwhelming.
It’s important to remember that in the last 50 years, vaccines have nearly eradicated measles, diphtheria, and polio. Eating a healthy diet, drinking clean water, sanitation, and hygiene help stop the disease. But, even in the most pristine places, viruses and bacteria can cause infection and lead to death.
The best way to protect your children and the community is through childhood vaccination, especially from birth to two years of age.
Vaccinations protect your child from diseases like polio, tetanus, and diphtheria. In addition, they also keep other children safe by significantly decreasing dangerous diseases spread from child to child. Some children with medical conditions or weakened immune systems are unable to have vaccinations.
What is a Vaccine?
A vaccine is a weakened version of a germ that causes disease. When children get a vaccine, they are exposed to the disease and their immune system builds up antibodies to protect them from contracting it. Basically, they help the body recognize and fight viruses and bacteria.
Over the years, you have surely heard some rumors that vaccines have some safety concerns, but there is no convincing evidence of harm. Of course, some children can react to a vaccine. But, the critical thing to understand is that the benefits far outweigh the possible side effects.
A child’s risk of having a health problem from immunization is much less than their risk of suffering from the disease itself.
Keeping Track of Immunizations
Most of your child’s vaccinations will be between birth and six years. There are several vaccines that are given more than once, at different ages, and in combinations. It’s important to keep a careful record of your child’s shots. Although your primary care doctor’s office will keep track, people change doctors, and records get lost. You are ultimately responsible for keeping track of your child’s immunizations.
Think about your child’s immunization record as you would a birth certificate and keep it with your other essential documents. You can also download an easy-to-read vaccine schedule and record form on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Most states will not let a child start school without a complete immunization record. Regardless of the reason, it’s essential to make up for missed immunizations.
What If I Miss an Immunization?
Don’t worry; you don’t have to go back and start over for most vaccines. The previous are still good, and you can resume the immunization schedule. Suppose, your child receives an additional dose of a vaccine. There is no need to worry, although your child will still need future doses according to the recommended schedule.
Visit Your Urgent Care Center in Palatine, IL
Vaccines are the safest and most effective medicines, making many life-threatening childhood diseases rare today. See us at Epic Urgent & Family Care in Palatine, Illinois, open seven days a week. Ask us about immunization requirements to protect your child.
