Vaccines Specialist

Why are vaccines important?

Vaccines are essential for maintaining good health throughout both childhood and adulthood. Our bodies have certain natural immunity and immunity developed in the uterus and during early childhood that can help us ward off some diseases, but we aren't immune to all diseases, and some serious diseases can make children and adults very sick – even causing death. Vaccines help your body develop important disease-fighting antibodies that can keep these diseases at bay and promote optimal wellness throughout childhood and adulthood.

Will vaccines make my child sick?

No, vaccines will NOT cause illness. Your child may feel some mild flu-like symptoms following a vaccination, that is due to the body creating antibodies in response to the vaccine, so your child is able to fight off disease in the future. These symptoms will go away within a day or two, and in the meantime, they can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications. There may also be some tenderness near the injection site which will soon resolve.

What kinds of vaccines does your practice offer?

Our practice offers a full array of vaccines that are recommended for administration during childhood, including:

• Chicken pox

• Diphtheria

• Haemophilus influenza type B

• Hepatitis A and B

• Influenza (the flu)

• Measles

• Mumps

• Pneumococcal disease

• Pneumonia

• Polio

• Rotavirus

• Rubella

• Tetanus

• Whooping cough

• Human papillomavirus

Some vaccines offer a lifetime of immunity while others will need periodic "boosters" to remain in effect.

How can I tell which vaccines my child needs?

Your child's immunization needs will be determined based on the medical history of the child, school and sports requirements, and other factors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services maintain recommended schedules of vaccines to provide healthcare practitioners (and parents) important information about which vaccines children should have and when they should receive those vaccinations.