Everything You Need to Know to Protect Your Child from Preventable Diseases
As a parent, safeguarding your child’s health and well-being is a top priority. One of the most powerful ways to achieve this is by keeping up with the recommended vaccinations throughout their early years. Vaccines play a crucial role in protecting against serious, and sometimes life-threatening, illnesses. In honor of National Vaccination Month, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to equip you with essential information on childhood vaccinations, empowering you to make well-informed decisions for your child’s health,
Why Are Childhood Vaccinations Important?
Vaccinations play a crucial role in safeguarding children from a variety of infectious diseases. These diseases, such as measles, whooping cough, and polio, can have severe consequences, including hospitalization, long-term health issues, and even death. Before the widespread use of vaccines, these diseases were much more common and often devastating. In addition to protecting the individual, vaccines contribute to herd immunity, which occurs when a large portion of the community becomes immune to a disease, making its spread unlikely. Herd immunity is especially important for protecting those who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns or individuals with certain medical conditions.
Vaccines work by stimulating the body’s immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens. They contain weakened or inactivated parts of a particular organism (antigen) that triggers an immune response within the body. This response helps the immune system recognize and combat the disease if exposed in the future, providing long-lasting protection.
The Recommended Childhood Vaccination Schedule
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations have established a recommended vaccination schedule that outlines the timing of each vaccine. This schedule is designed to protect children when they are most vulnerable to certain diseases. Here’s an overview of some key vaccines included in the schedule:
1. Hepatitis B Vaccine
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When to Give: Birth, 1-2 months, 6-18 months
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Purpose: Protects against hepatitis B, a serious liver infection that can lead to chronic liver disease or liver cancer.
2. DTaP Vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
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When to Give: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, 4-6 years
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Purpose: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough), which can cause severe respiratory issues and complications.
3. Hib Vaccine (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
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When to Give: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12-15 months
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Purpose: Protects against Hib, a bacteria that can cause meningitis, pneumonia, and other serious infections.
4. MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
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When to Give: 12-15 months, 4-6 years
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Purpose: Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, which can lead to complications like brain swelling, deafness, and birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.
5. Polio Vaccine (IPV)
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When to Give: 2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, 4-6 years
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Purpose: Protects against poliovirus, which can cause paralysis and permanent disability.
6. Varicella Vaccine (Chickenpox)
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When to Give: 12-15 months, 4-6 years
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Purpose: Protects against chickenpox, a contagious disease that can cause itchy rashes, fevers, and in some cases, severe skin infections, pneumonia, or brain inflammation.
7. Influenza Vaccine
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When to Give: Annually, starting at 6 months
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Purpose: Protects against the flu, which can be especially dangerous for young children, leading to complications such as pneumonia or hospitalization.
8. Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV13)
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When to Give: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12-15 months
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Purpose: Protects against pneumococcal disease, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
Addressing Common Concerns and Myths
Many parents have questions or concerns about vaccines, including their safety, side effects, and necessity. Here are some key points to consider:
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Safety: Vaccines undergo rigorous testing and continuous monitoring to ensure they are safe and effective. The benefits of vaccines far outweigh the minimal risks associated with them. The CDC has developed an excellent resource to help you learn more safety information about some of the most common childhood vaccinations.
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Side Effects: Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as soreness at the injection site or a low-grade fever. Serious side effects are rare but should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
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Necessity: Vaccines are crucial for protecting not only your child but also the broader community by preventing the spread of infectious diseases, especially to those who are too young or unable to be vaccinated.
Keeping Track of Vaccinations
In New York State, keeping track of childhood vaccinations is essential for ensuring that your child remains protected against various preventable diseases. The state requires that children be up-to-date on their vaccinations to attend public school or licensed daycare centers. Parents can keep an accurate record using the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS), a secure, confidential system that tracks and stores vaccination information. This system helps healthcare providers and parents manage and verify a child’s vaccination status, ensuring that all necessary immunizations are received on time and preventing any gaps in protection.
Stay Updated on Your Child’s Vaccinations with CAH
Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect your child’s health and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. By following the recommended vaccination schedule and addressing any concerns with your healthcare provider, you can ensure that your child is well-protected against serious illnesses. Making informed decisions about vaccinations is a critical step in safeguarding your child’s future health and well-being.
CAH School Based Clinics can make keeping up with school physicals, sports physicals and vaccinations easy and convenient. Services can be obtained at any time during the school day at no cost to the student. Once enrolled, insurance will be billed to assist with covering costs, ensuring there is no out-of-pocket expense for students. However, any lab or X-ray orders referred to an outside facility may incur charges.
Our school based clinics offer many services including, but not limited to:
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All Primary Health Care Needs
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Physicals (Sports and Camp)
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Regular Sick Visits
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Allergy Injections
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Immunizations
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Mental Health
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And more
Are you interested in learning more about registering for CAH School BAsed LCinics? Contact us at:
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Beaver River School District: beaverriver@cahny.org
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Carthage Middle School: carthagems@cahny.org
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Carthage Central High School: carthagehs@cahny.org
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LaFargeville School District: lafargeville@cahny.org