There was a time when diseases like polio and measles haunted our children’s future. But due to the remarkable success of vaccines, this reality is in the past. Vaccinating your child early improves their chance against otherwise deadly diseases.
Neal Davis, MD, a pediatrician and medical director of pediatric community-based care at Intermountain Health, affirmed vaccines' have a critical role in keeping our little ones healthy.
“One of the most successful things in modern medicine has been vaccines,” said Dr. Davis.
Why are vaccines important for children?
Your child might bring home the occasional school or daycare bug, but vaccines help to keep scarier illness away.
“Every parent knows when they take their kids to daycare, they get sick,” said Dr. Davis. “That’s part of being a kid at some level. But these diseases are different.”
According to the CDC, every year, 4 million deaths worldwide are prevented by childhood vaccination. Immunizations are modern medicine marvels, and their success is unparalleled. They have eradicated or significantly reduced the prevalence of once-feared diseases.
Thankfully, infections like tetanus or whooping cough are no longer a looming death sentence. Vaccines allow our children to grow up in a safer and healthier world.
How do I stay up-to-date on my child’s vaccine schedule?
We provided a back-to-school vaccine guide, but what’s the overall timeline? By ensuring our little ones receive vaccines on time, we provide the best defense against serious infections.
“Being able to stay up-to-date on those early vaccines really matters for young children,” said Dr. Davis. “There are examples of vaccines preventing brain or blood infections in little babies.”
The CDC provided a comprehensive child vaccination schedule. Stay updated by adding to a calendar, making phone reminders, or asking about vaccines at your child’s next doctor’s appointment.
What if I have concerns about vaccinating my children?
It's completely normal to have questions or concerns about vaccinating your children. After all, as parents and caregivers, we want what's best for our little ones. It's fine to have concerns, but it’s crucial to find reliable sources for medical information.
“I think it’s okay to have concerns, and I think it’s important as a culture and society that we respect that,” said Dr. Davis. “It’s important for people to not feel judged but to be able to have a conversation.”
With any decision involving your child's health, consult healthcare professionals, like Dr. Davis, who provide expert guidance.
By staying informed, fostering open conversations, and ensuring your children receive their vaccinations on time, you give them an invaluable shield against preventable disease.
