Why are Childhood Immunizations Important?

As a new parent, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the immunizations that your child keeps receiving.

The benefits of immunization include:

• Protecting your child from deadly diseases like polio and tetanus. When a child is immunized, they receive a dead or weakened version of the germ that causes the disease in question. Then their immune system will develop antibodies that will protect them from contracting the disease if and when they come into contact with the actual disease. Immunizations gives your child a head start and a better shot at fighting off what would be otherwise life-threatening diseases
• Immunization also keeps other children safe by eliminating or reducing the risks of spreading a dangerous disease from one child to another. By immunizing your child, you are keeping them from transmitting that disease to another child.

While they may seem like a lot of work, vaccinations are a must-have for your child. They are recommended by the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and many other organizations.

Generally, your child needs to be immunizations against measles, mumps, rubella, Haemophilus influenza, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, chickenpox, rotavirus and pneumococcal. Sounds a lot right? But your child needs all these vaccines.