Childhood vaccinations have been a hot topic issue lately, but knowing the facts should be your first focus. Many parents are unsure of why vaccinations are so important, how they can affect your child, and how to go about getting their child vaccinated. These are a few of the most important pieces of information you need to know before getting your child vaccinated.

Vaccinations are a way to protect your child and others from many serious diseases. Some of these diseases include measles, mumps, chicken pox, the flu, whooping cough, and more. Vaccinations are used as a way to control and often eradicate a disease over time. Before the polio vaccine existed, thousands of children each year were affected by the crippling disease and many even died from it. Today, polio is something we learn about in history, not something we have to fear in daily life. All of that is thanks to vaccinations! Getting your child properly vaccinated is an easy way to protect your child and everyone they come in contact with from many deadly diseases. These easy-to-receive vaccinations are harmless for both you and your child.

Almost 200 children died during the 2017-2018 flu season in the United States.  The danger of serious illness or death rises when children are unprotected by vaccinations.

From preschool to college age children receive 16 vaccinations for various things. As a preteen, your child will receive vaccinations to protect from HPV, Meningitis, whooping cough, tetanus, and diphtheria. Many of those are done in the same vaccination called TDAP. It’s easy and convenient for your child to receive these vaccinations are yearly back to school physicals, check-ups, or other office visits with their pediatrician. Regular back to school physicals is a great way to build a medical history and know when your child is due for their next vaccination. Children as young as six months of age can begin receiving an annual flu vaccination, so don’t wait until they’re starting school to start getting them vaccinated!