Vaccinations Specialist

Why does my child need vaccinations?

Vaccinations are a valuable way of protecting your child’s health and safeguarding their future. If you ensure they receive their recommended vaccinations at Newton Pediatrics, they can avoid serious diseases such as:

• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Polio
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Chickenpox
• Rotavirus
• Whooping cough (pertussis)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Pneumococcal infection
• Hepatitis A and B
• Flu
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

If your child has their vaccinations against these diseases, it means they may not suffer the misery of being sick or risk getting the complications these infections can cause, many of which could have a lifelong impact on your child’s health or even be potentially life-threatening.

How do vaccinations work?

Vaccinations activate your child’s immune system so that it develops a defense against specific diseases. 

When an infection like a virus enters the body, the immune system identifies it as a potential threat. In response, it creates antibodies that surround the virus, matching its form and effectively smothering it. The system is highly effective in helping you recover from illnesses and keeping you healthy.

Your immune system stores copies of the antibodies so it can reproduce them if you encounter the same disease again. When this system works at its best, you won’t even get sick because your body kills the organism before it's able to breed. For example, once you have chickenpox, it’s almost unheard of to get it again.

Vaccinations trigger the same response in your child’s immune system to protect them from specific diseases.

What do vaccines contain?

Vaccines come in several different varieties. Some contain a dead form of the organism or a modified live version that won’t get your child sick. Some vaccines use an inactive form of the toxins an organism produces. 

Newer vaccines, like some of the COVID-19 ones, use genetic material. They contain a section of the organism’s DNA or RNA – the building blocks of the virus – that enables your immune system to create antibodies without any risk of infection.

When should my child receive their vaccinations?

Most vaccinations take place during infancy and early childhood, but some happen later. Others, like flu, require regular boosters to maintain their effectiveness.

Leading health agencies (the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians) approve a vaccination program each year that details when children should receive their immunizations and what vaccines they should get. Newton Pediatrics follows this schedule to ensure the best protection for your child.

Vaccinations are a safe way of protecting your child’s health. To discuss their vaccination schedule or book their next appointment, call Newton Pediatrics or schedule an appointment online today.