Vaccines play a crucial role in protecting children from serious diseases. As a parent, understanding the importance of vaccinations, their safety, and recommended schedules can help you make informed decisions about your child’s health. At Perry Avenue Family Medical Center, we prioritize providing accurate and up-to-date information to ensure your family stays protected.
Why Are Vaccines Important?
Vaccines help prevent the spread of contagious diseases that can lead to severe health complications, hospitalization, or even death. By vaccinating children, we create herd immunity, which protects those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions. Diseases such as measles, polio, and whooping cough have significantly decreased due to routine vaccinations.
Common Childhood Vaccines and Their Benefits
- Hepatitis B (HepB) – Protects against liver infections caused by the hepatitis B virus.
- Rotavirus (RV) – Prevents severe diarrhea and dehydration.
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) – Protects against respiratory and neurological diseases.
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) – Prevents bacterial meningitis and pneumonia.
- Polio (IPV) – Prevents polio, which can cause paralysis.
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) – Shields against these highly contagious viral infections.
- Varicella (Chickenpox) – Reduces the risk of severe chickenpox and shingles later in life.
- Pneumococcal (PCV13) – Guards against pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections.
- Influenza (Flu Shot) – Recommended annually to reduce flu-related complications.
- COVID-19 Vaccine – Helps prevent severe illness from the coronavirus.
Vaccine Safety: What Parents Should Know
Vaccines undergo rigorous testing before approval by health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Studies confirm that vaccines are safe and effective, with benefits far outweighing any minimal risks.
Common Side Effects:
- Mild fever
- Redness or swelling at the injection site
- Fatigue or slight discomfort
Serious side effects are extremely rare. If you have concerns, consult your healthcare provider at Perry Avenue Family Medical Center.
The Recommended Vaccine Schedule
The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provide an immunization schedule to ensure children receive vaccines at the most effective times. Below is a general guideline:
Birth to 6 Years:
- At Birth: HepB
- 2 Months: DTaP, Hib, IPV, PCV13, RV
- 4 Months: DTaP, Hib, IPV, PCV13, RV
- 6 Months: DTaP, Hib, IPV, PCV13, RV, Flu Shot
- 12–18 Months: MMR, Varicella, HepA, DTaP, Hib, PCV13
- 4–6 Years: DTaP, IPV, MMR, Varicella
7–18 Years:
- 11–12 Years: HPV, Tdap, Meningococcal vaccine
- 16 Years: Meningococcal booster
Annual flu shots and COVID-19 boosters (if eligible) are recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are vaccines safe for my child?
Yes. Vaccines are extensively tested and continuously monitored for safety. The benefits of immunization far outweigh the risks.
2. Do vaccines cause autism?
No. Multiple scientific studies, including those from the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO), confirm that vaccines do not cause autism.
3. Can my child get sick from a vaccine?
Most vaccines contain either an inactivated virus or a weakened form of a virus, meaning they cannot cause disease. Some mild symptoms, like fever or soreness, are normal reactions and indicate the body is building immunity.
4. What if my child misses a scheduled vaccine?
If your child misses a vaccine, you can catch up with a revised schedule. Speak to your doctor about the best way to stay up to date.
5. Why does my child need a flu shot every year?
The flu virus evolves each year, so the vaccine is updated annually to match the circulating strains.
6. Can my child get multiple vaccines at once?
Yes. Receiving multiple vaccines in one visit is safe and does not overload the immune system. It helps ensure children are protected as early as possible.
7. Are there exemptions to vaccines?
Some children may have medical exemptions due to severe allergies or immune conditions. However, exemptions should be discussed with your healthcare provider to ensure the safety of your child and the community.
8. Where can I get my child vaccinated?
You can schedule an appointment at Perry Avenue Family Medical Center for all childhood vaccinations.
Contact Information
For more information or to schedule a vaccination appointment, contact:
Perry Avenue Family Medical Center
📍 3071 Perry Avenue, The Bronx, NY 10467
📞 Phone: (718) 231-6700
At Perry Avenue Family Medical Center, we are committed to keeping your family healthy and protected. Book an appointment today to ensure your child stays up to date with their vaccinations!