Five Things to Know About Child Vaccination (Timing and Which Ones)
Many believe infectious diseases like polio and diphtheria are bygone health concerns. This is untrue. Vaccinations are crucial to preventing these illnesses from harming children and from spreading to other people. Parents may not want their children to feel pain from getting a vaccine, and others are wary of the side effects, but the potential consequences of failing to protect the child make getting a few shots worth it.
Square One Health Group provides pediatric vaccines, welcoming any questions. We want to help your child be as healthy as possible by eliminating the threat of severe illness.
Why Vaccinations Are Essential
Although few cases are reported, many still contract infectious diseases. Children suffer the worst effects, including paralysis or death. Almost every one of these situations is preventable, but only with vaccination.
It might be tempting to think that because so many people are vaccinated, there’s no way a disease could infect my child. It happens, however, and if one person contracts a disease, it will likely spread to other people.
Infant and Children Vaccinations
According to canada.ca, children begin receiving injections within two months of being born, with the first round including a 5-in-1 or 6-in-1 vaccine, pneumococcal, and rotavirus. These will be repeated until the child is about 12 months old. Around four years of age, they are given the MMR and Varicella vaccines. All in all, they will be safe from: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough, Polio, Hib disease, Mumps, Measles, Rubella, Chickenpox, Pneumonia, Ear Infections, and Meningitis.
For more information about child immunization, visit peelregion.ca.
Teen Vaccinations
By the time your child is nearing their pre-teenage years, there are very few injections required: meningococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, and dTap. These ensure young patients do not contract meningitis, septicemia, Hepatitis B liver infections, HPV cancers, and are further shielded from diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough.
Are there Vaccine Substitutes?
Currently, there’s no other way to vaccinate children without shots. Nosodes, which have gained popularity as a holistic option, are scientifically unproven to prevent infectious diseases. This is not to say various methods of delivering vaccines are in use or being tested. FluMist is in use to deliver the flu vaccines and is much more comfortable for some patients, and other oral methods are being tested.
Is the Flu Vaccine Required?
The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends that children receive flu shots after six months. Annual vaccinations can be effective in reducing the effects of the flu, protecting children from the most severe side-effects.
For Pediatric Vaccinations and General Medical Care, Call Square One Health Group
Our healthcare facility includes a general medical office, a dental office, and full-service pharmacy. We believe we can take care of families efficiently, as we accept walk-ins seven days a week. Our general practitioners will administer vaccines and perform thorough examinations for your child, with the goal of supporting a long, healthy life.