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Navigating the immunization schedule for your child can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming. With multiple offices in Aiken, Hardeeville, and Walterboro, South Carolina, and Augusta, Georgia, board-certified pediatrician Yvrose Valcourt, MD, and pediatric nurse practitioner Whitney Lutz, NP, can help guide you through the schedule. Call or book an appointment online today to learn more. The practice also offers telehealth visits.
Immunizations Q&A
What are immunizations?
Immunizations are preventive measures that keep your child safe from many infectious diseases. They stimulate the body’s natural immune response to ward off germs and virus-causing pathogens.
Also called vaccinations, these treatments contain small quantities of weakened or dead viruses. The amount isn’t enough to get your child sick. Instead, it trains their immune system to recognize and remember specific pathogens. This memory allows their immune system to quickly respond and fight off the actual disease if your child encounters it in the future.
Why are immunizations important during childhood?
As a new parent, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of vaccines your child needs within their first few years of life. Your child receives most of their vaccines by age 2. Your pediatric specialist carefully schedules these vaccines to ensure immunity at specific ages when children are most vulnerable to infectious diseases.
Vaccines aren’t only essential to protect your child. They also prevent diseases from spreading to other children within your community.
What are the major childhood immunizations?
Children receive many vaccines before reaching school age, including:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Chickenpox (varicella)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
- Influenza (flu)
- Meningococcal
- Pneumococcal
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Rotavirus
- Dengue
Your pediatric specialist may also recommend the COVID-19 vaccine to protect against SARS‑CoV‑2.
Are immunizations safe?
Immunizations safely and effectively protect against potentially harmful diseases and illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that childhood immunizations save about four million lives each year.
The cost of postponing a child’s vaccine schedule outweighs the potential side effects, which include injection site soreness, mild swelling, and flu-like symptoms.
How can I prepare my child for immunizations?
Preparing for your immunization appointment can help ease your child’s anxieties. Before visiting Valcourt Pediatric Associates:
- Pack your child’s favorite toy, book, or comfort item
- Try relaxation techniques, like deep breathing
- Stay calm and foster a stress-free environment
- Tell your child what to expect
- Reward and praise
Visit Valcourt Pediatric Associates for compassionate and efficient immunization appointments. Call your local office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.