There is so much to do when a baby is born. There’s paperwork to file, trips to the store for things you forgot while you were just at the store, and the occasional doctor’s visit for a shot or two. Vaccinations are a hot-button topic right now. Your pediatricians at Pediatric & Adolescent Care in Gaithersburg, MD, can explain exactly why child vaccines are so important.

What Are Vaccinations?

A vaccine is a substance that is used to stimulate an immunity by exposing the immune system to a controlled dose. The substance is usually derived from an inactive or weakened form of the original. 

While the body is adjusting to the substance, it may show symptoms of fighting the substance as though it was the real thing. This is why so many people think that they get sick from flu shots - it can seem like that is what is happening.

What Vaccinations Are Given to Children?

The general timeline for vaccinations is:

• Birth
  • HepB
• 1-2 months
  • HepB
• 2 months
  • DTaP
  • Hib
  • IPV
  • PCV
  • RV
• 4 months
  • DTaP
  • Hib
  • IPV
  • PCV
  • RV
• 6 months
  • DTaP
  • Hib
  • PCV
  • RV
  • Flu
• 6-18 months
  • HepB
  • IPV
• 12-15 months
  • Hib
  • MMR
  • PCV
  • Chickenpox
• 12-23 months
  • HepA
• 15-18 months
  • DTaP
• 4-6 years
  • DTaP
  • MMR
  • IPV
  • Chickenpox
• 9-16 years
  • Dengue 
• 11-12 years
  • HPV
  • Tdap
  • MenACWY

Why? The Bottom Line Numbers

Worldwide, childhood vaccines save between two and three million lives every year. Vaccinations have kept people from contracting many fatal viruses over the last several decades.

The global infant mortality rate has gone from 65 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 29 deaths per 1,000 births in 2018. That is only the past 30 years - that doesn’t even touch the improvements vaccines did in the first half of the 1900s. 

There have been no deadly risks linked to being vaccinated. Not being vaccinated can lead to death by preventable diseases. 

Contact Your Pediatrician Today

Parents all want what is best for our children. If you want to make certain that you are making informed decisions, contact your pediatricians at Pediatric & Adolescent Care in Gaithersburg, MD, to learn more about child vaccinations. Call (301) 869-2292 to schedule a consultation today.