From pertussis to polio, there are many serious diseases that can be prevented through vaccination. Immunizations work by exposing the body to a safe amount of viral antigens so that the immune system can learn how to recognize and attack invasive threats. But to gain maximum protection, people must receive vaccinations on schedule, with most being delivered before the age of 18. If you’re a parent, here’s what you should know about your child’s immunization schedule and how a pediatrician can help.  

4 FAQ About Childhood Immunization

When does my child need shots?

Pediatricians typically follow the standard immunization schedule as advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of these shots are given during the first couple of years in a child’s life. However, kids will require booster shots as they grow older. Keeping a detailed and updated shot record will make it easy to track which immunizations your child needs and when.

What if my child falls behind their immunization schedule?

If your child has missed doses or fallen behind their immunization schedule, they can still catch up with help from a pediatrician. Using your little one’s vaccination record, their doctor will simply continue the schedule from the most recent spot.

Can I minimize the number of shots my child gets?

If you want your child to gain maximum protection but also want to reduce the number of shots they’ll need to receive, ask your pediatrician about combination vaccines. These formulas combine multiple immunizations in one shot.

How can I prepare my child for shots?

When your child is old enough to comprehend what a vaccine is, they may have reservations about getting a shot. To help ease their fears, remind your little one that these quick treatments can prevent them from a serious illness. You should also let them know that while the shot may feel like a sharp pinch, any discomfort should only last a few seconds.

Keeping your child on their immunization schedule is easy when they’re a Pediatrics of Dalton patient. Providing pediatric care in Dalton, GA, this practice is stocked with all necessary childhood vaccines and offers convenient, fast appointments to streamline the process. Understanding the needs of younger patients, you can count on this caring staff to provide shots in a gentle and empowering way. To learn more about their preventive care solutions, visit this pediatrician office online. For appointments, call (706) 278-­5373.