Immunizations
Immunizations: should you or shouldn’t you
We often get a lot of questions from parents about immunizations. Here at Westchester Health Pediatrics, we firmly believe in immunizing babies and children against diseases and feel that this is one of the best ways to keep your child healthy and thriving. Short of basic sanitation and nutrition, no medical intervention has done more to save lives and prevent disease than immunizations.
The fact of the matter is: vaccines save lives.
To read more about why we believe immunizations are so important, please read our blog, “Why Immunizations Are Important.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends immunizations
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) officially recommends immunizations as the safest and most cost-effective way of preventing disease, disability and death.
Do vaccinations work?
Yes, vaccinations definitely work. Vaccinations have helped children stay healthy for more than 50 years, have saved millions of lives, and have reduced the number of infections from vaccine-preventable diseases by more than 90%. Plus, not only do vaccines help prevent your child from contracting up to 16 diseases, they help keep these diseases from spreading throughout the whole population.
Are vaccinations safe?
Yes, vaccinations are safe. Before being approved, all vaccines must be tested by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA will not let a vaccine be given unless it has been proven to be safe and to work well in children.
Do vaccinations cause autism?
No, vaccinations do not cause autism. Over the last two decades, extensive research has studied whether there is any link between childhood vaccinations and autism. The results of this research are clear: vaccines do not cause autism — all the more reason why at Westchester Health Pediatrics, we strongly advise immunizing your child.
Come in and talk with us; we’re here to help
If you have concerns or questions about vaccinating your child, please come in and talk with us at any of our 12 office locations. We’re here to answer your questions, put your mind at ease, and tell you why we believe immunizations are so important.
Some parents request that immunizations be spaced out so that their child won’t have to undergo multiple injections at once. Many of our pediatricians are happy to give immunizations on an alternate schedule; check with your child’s doctor to see if this is possible.
The diseases we routinely immunize against are:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP)
- Polio (IPV)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Hepatitis A and B
- H. Influenzae (Hib)
- Pneumococcal (PCV13)
- Rotavirus (RV)
- Flu Vaccine
- Meningococcal (MPSV4/MCV4)
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus Vaccine, protects against cervical or penile cancer)
To learn more about childhood immunizations
For an immunization schedule for your child’s developmental stage, ask your pediatrician. For the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended immunization schedule, click here.
Count on us for information and advice to help your child grow up healthy and happy
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Whether you’re a parent-to-be, a new parent or an experienced mom or dad with years of child-rearing under your belt, rest assured. We’ve got years and years of experience helping parents take care of their children, sick or well, newborns to young adults, and we’re ready to help you with yours.
To learn about all the services we offer here at Westchester Health Pediatrics, CLICK HERE.
And please contact us to discuss any of these topics. Whenever, wherever you need us, we’re here for you.