Just Updated: What Parents Need to Know About the Childhood Immunization Schedule

As a pediatrician, my highest priority is the health and well-being of your child. An important part of this responsibility involves discussing immunizations with parents. Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect children and our community from many potentially life-threatening diseases.   

Vaccinations Protect Everyone  

Vaccines work by helping the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens. When your child is vaccinated, they gain protection against diseases without the risk of getting the illness itself. The immune system learns how to fight the disease before the child is ever exposed to it. If they do get exposed after being vaccinated, the immune system is ready to fight off the disease.  

Some vaccines are very effective at preventing the recipient from ever getting infected with that disease.  Others help reduce the likelihood of infection and are effective at reducing serious illness (hospitalization or death) if the person does get infected.  It is important to remember that one cannot catch influenza from getting a flu shot or catch COVID from getting a COVID-19 shot. 

Immunizations protect the entire community, creating a safer environment for everyone. This concept, known as herd immunity, helps protect those who are unable to be vaccinated. For herd immunity to work, the community needs a high percentage of its people to be protected by immunization.  

Concerns and Questions  

It is natural for parents to have questions or concerns about vaccines. Some parents may worry about potential side effects or the number of vaccines their child needs. Pediatricians are here to help you understand the benefits, discuss potential side effects, and answer all your questions about immunizations so you have clarity and peace of mind about this important part of routine healthcare we provide for your child.  

Key:   

• Hep B- hepatitis B  

• DTaP- diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough)  
• Hib- haemophilus influenza type B   
• PCV- pneumococcal pneumonia  
• RV- rotavirus  
• VAR- varicella (chicken pox)  
• MCV- meningococcal (meningitis) 
• HPV- human papillomavirus (protects against HPV related cancers) 
• MenB- meningococcal B 

Stay Informed  

Medical recommendations and guidelines are updated as new information becomes available and science progresses. Your child’s pediatrician remains up to date with the latest information on immunizations. Regular pediatric visits allow you to keep up to date with the most current information and ensure your child remains protected.  

In short, vaccinations are a critical component of preventive healthcare for children. Vaccinating your child is a proactive step toward keeping them healthy, protecting the most vulnerable people in your community, and preventing dangerous diseases from coming back.  

Learn about Pediatric Care 

By Dr. Gregory Kaupp at Medicine Pediatrics of Nashua