Child Immunizations: What Parents Should Know

Get the facts about childhood immunizations. 

Throughout your child’s life they are going to need to turn to our McKinney, TX, pediatricians regularly for immunizations, which safeguard them from certain illnesses and diseases that could cause serious and possibly life-threatening complications. Immunizations are important for all children, but we also know that parents can be a bit weary or concerned about vaccines. You may be wondering if they are safe. Here’s what parents should know about childhood immunizations,

Immunizations for Children (birth through 6 years old) 

While our McKinney, TX, pediatricians will keep you up to date on when your child needs to come in for their immunizations, it’s still important that you also know how often your child should be coming in for this preventive care. Here are some of the recommended vaccines your child should get from birth to about 6 years old,

  • Hepatitis A & B
  • Rotavirus
  • Diphtheria, tetanus & pertussis
  • Type B influenza
  • Pneumococcal
  • Inactivated poliovirus
  • Influenza (flu)
  • Measles, mumps, and rubella
  • Varicella

Children will come in at birth, 1-2 months old, 4 months old, 6 months old, 12 months old, 15 months old, 18 months old, 19-23 months old, 2-3 years old, and 4-6 years old for vaccines. It can be rather daunting to remember all of this, which is why the CDC offers a helpful vaccine chart schedule for kids and teens that you can easily print out on their website. Put this fun chart on the fridge and make sure that your child is getting the immunizations they need.

Immunizations for Children and Teens (7 years old to 18 years old) 

Teen and preteens will also have their fair share of vaccines. A lot of the vaccines will be the same as the ones above but there are also some new ones to consider like the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine, which could protect against the strains of HPV that can lead to throat and cervical cancers. Talk to our pediatricians about whether your child should get the HPV vaccine. Older children and teens will also need to get the meningococcal vaccine.

Your teen or preteen will come into our practice for immunizations at,

  • 7-8 years
  • 9-10 years
  • 11-12 years
  • 13-15 years
  • 16-18 years

Why are childhood immunizations important? 

Immunizations are one of the most effective preventive measures we can take to keep children and teens safe and healthy. They also prevent outbreaks of certain dangerous communicable diseases while protecting the community at large. They can also protect those who are immunocompromised or have weakened immune systems who may not be able to get vaccinated.

Are vaccines safe? 

Yes, childhood vaccines are safe. Each vaccine has been thoroughly tested and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that they are safe. There is also no evidence to show that vaccines cause autism or other developmental disorders. Of course, if you have questions or concerns about the efficacy or safety of a vaccine, don’t hesitate to ask us.

We understand that the topic of child immunizations can be complex, and the McKinney, TX, pediatricians at ABC Pediatrics are happy to provide you with all the information you need to make a smart and informed decision regarding your child’s health. For questions, or to schedule your child’s next appointment, call (972) 569-9904.

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Tuesday:

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Wednesday:

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