Vaccines Specialist

Why does my child need immunizations?

Immunizations, or vaccines, are an important part of your child’s preventive health care. There are a variety of immunizations your child needs throughout different stages of development, several of which are necessary soon after birth.

Because your child’s immune system is still developing throughout the different stages of childhood, their body isn’t ready to protect them fully from potentially life-threatening and contagious diseases. Immunizations help build your child’s immunity against these diseases and can prevent serious medical complications throughout their lifetime.

What immunizations does my child need?

Dr. Valencia follows the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for vaccinating your child starting soon after birth. Immunizations provide your child protection from diseases like:

• Polio
• Tetanus
• Hepatitis B
• Chickenpox
• Whooping cough

Additional immunizations are available for the seasonal flu and human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted disease that can cause genital warts and increase your child’s risk of certain reproductive cancers.

If you plan to travel outside of the country with your child, they may need additional vaccines to protect them from diseases common in different regions of the world.

Are vaccines safe for my child?

The immunizations Dr. Valencia provides trigger your child’s immune system to produce necessary antibodies that protect against future exposure to a variety of diseases. Without the vaccinations, your child is at risk for contracting potentially dangerous diseases.

In general, immunizations are safe and effective for protecting your child’s health. They’re thoroughly tested before use and produce few side effects. There are some children who can’t receive vaccines due to existing allergies. In these situations, Dr. Valencia can offer an alternate treatment plan to keep your child safe.

If you have questions or concerns about vaccinating your child, schedule a consultation with Dr. Valencia to discuss your issues before making any decisions.

What are the side effects of immunizations?

Like any medication, the vaccines your child needs can cause side effects. These side effects are usually mild and may include:

• Redness
• Soreness
• Swelling at the injection site

These side effects resolve on their own without additional treatment. If your child experiences an allergic reaction to a vaccine, Dr. Valencia and her trained staff are fully equipped to handle the situation during your visit.

If your child isn’t up-to-date on their immunizations, call Valencia Pediatrics or schedule an appointment online today.

Disclaimer: Valencia Pediatrics believe in the importance of immunizations for the well-being and protection of every child and infant and follow the standard immunization schedule of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) which is published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

We do not support not vaccinating children or alternative vaccine schedules. Parents who have or plan to space out or withhold vaccines are not a good fit for our practice.  If your care philosophy differs from ours, we respectfully request that you find another pediatrician.