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Vaccinating your children is one of the simplest ways you can protect them. Getting the vaccine is as easy as a quick trip to the pediatrician’s office and your child will be protected against harmful and potentially deadly diseases. From birth until age 6 there are multiple vaccines your child should receive. There are too many vaccines to cover all at once, but let’s take a look at some of the most notable vaccines your child will receive.
DTap
DTaP is a vaccine that your child will receive multiple times, beginning at just 4 months of age. This vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough. Diphtheria is a respiratory disease that can lead to paralysis, heart failure, and death. Tetanus is a disease that most people are familiar with. Also known as lockjaw, it is caused by bacteria found in the soil. Whooping cough, formally known as pertussis, causes severe coughing fits in your child. The coughing can become so severe that your child is unable to eat or drink.
MMR
The MMR vaccine is first administered at 12 months of age. This protects against measles, mumps, and rubella virus. The number of measles cases in 2019 is the highest we’ve seen since the disease was said to have been eliminated in 2000. This sudden recurrence in the disease just goes to show that no matter how much time has passed, keeping our children vaccinated is a necessity. Measles, mumps, and rubella are all very serious viral conditions that can result in death. Pockets of unvaccinated individuals across the country has led to an increase in the number of cases, making it more important than ever to vaccinate your child!
Flu Vaccine
Starting at six months of age your child is able to receive their flu vaccine. The flu vaccine reduces the risk of catching the flu by up to 80%! Your child will need to receive their flu vaccine each year after 6 months of age to ensure they’re properly protected against the virus. The flu is easily spread, especially if your child attends daycare or preschool.
For a full list of all the vaccines your young child needs, visit the CDC vaccination schedule. If you have any questions or concerns about getting your child vaccinated, don’t hesitate to ask their pediatrician. There is more false information being spread around about vaccines than ever before, but you shouldn’t let myths put your child at risk!
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