As a parent, ensuring the health and well-being of your child is undoubtedly your top priority. It’s our mission as well at Southfield Pediatrics in Bingham Farms and Novi, Michigan.
We’re also focused on supporting your role as a parent in preventing life-threatening illnesses whenever possible. Our childhood immunization services are one way to do that.
Read more about the role of immunizations in your child’s health and how our team works to ensure they receive childhood vaccines and boosters on time.
Understanding the significance of childhood vaccines
Vaccines are vital in preventing infectious diseases that can cause severe illness, life-long health complications, or even death.
These diseases, such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis, and influenza, can spread rapidly among children who are not immunized. Vaccines work with your child’s immune system when given as scheduled to build resistance before exposure to the viruses or bacteria that cause these infections.
Understanding the vaccination schedule
At Southfield Pediatrics, we establish your child’s immunization schedule according to guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
These schedules help ensure protection against infection by outlining the following:
- Recommended number of doses of each vaccine
- Timing between each dose
- Age when infants, children, and teens should receive the vaccine
- Precautions and contraindications (who should not receive the vaccine)
You can expect to hear about the importance of childhood immunizations from your first visit to our office, and our pediatricians are always happy to answer questions about vaccine safety and efficacy.
Most vaccines are required during infancy and early childhood and are often combined into one injection to reduce the number of shots your kiddo receives.
However, it’s essential not to ignore the childhood booster schedule or vaccine recommendations during adolescence, such as the meningitis vaccine (MenB).
Tracking your child’s vaccination history
Keeping track of your child’s vaccination history is essential to ensure they receive all the necessary vaccines at the appropriate times.
We recommend maintaining a copy of their immunization records, including dates of previous vaccinations, the vaccine manufacturer, and the administering health care professional’s information.
While you’re a patient here at Southfield Pediatrics, we’ll track your child’s vaccines closely via their permanent health records and provide you with an updated immunization list after every vaccine visit.
These records are required when your child enrolls in daycare, school, and many extracurricular activities. Because of the closeness of dorm life, colleges also require proof of immunizations. We’re happy to provide copies of these records if you contact us in advance.
Schedule an evaluation today for more information about childhood vaccines or other services we offer at Southfield Pediatrics. Call us or request an appointment online.