Lots of responsibility comes your way once you take on the role of parent. From managing their meals to checking their math homework to gauging their emotional health — it’s all part of your job description. And then there’s that long list of vaccines your child needs. Are they worth the time and trouble?
Here at Southfield Pediatrics in Bingham Farms and Novi, Michigan, we’re known for our medical expertise and steadfast commitment to supporting patients and families from newborn through adolescence. We offer outstanding health care services and a wealth of resources to help you manage your children’s needs.
Read what our award-winning pediatricians want you to know about childhood immunizations and why they matter, whether your child is a newborn, a teen, or somewhere in between.
How vaccines work
Your immune system works 24/7 to rid your body of pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, that might be dangerous to your health.
After fighting off a pathogen, your immune system stores information about the germ in the T-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Should they encounter the same germ in the future, the T-lymphocytes signal the immune system to produce an antibody that prevents or significantly reduces infection.
Unfortunately, it can take your immune system several days to identify a new virus or bacteria, giving the germ time to multiply and overwhelm your body’s defenses. This can be especially dangerous for infants and young children because of their small size and immature immune response.
Vaccines expose your immune system to a weakened or nonliving form of a specific virus or bacteria. While not strong enough to cause significant illness, the vaccine supplies the information your body needs to recognize and defend against the targeted pathogen in the future.
Which vaccines does my child need for good health?
Here at Southfield Pediatrics, our team follows immunization guidelines published annually by the CDC. You can find a printable version of the 2023 guidelines here: age birth to 6 years; age 7-18 years.
The schedule and vaccine recommendations for infants, children, and teens are based on review and approval by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
We also provide vaccine information and reminders as part of our commitment to your child’s health and wellbeing.
Are all these vaccines really necessary?
Each recommended vaccine can protect your child or teen from potentially life-altering or life-threatening infections, a few of which include:
- Polio (paralysis, death)
- Diphtheria (heart failure, coma, death)
- Measles (brain swelling, pneumonia, death)
- Mumps (brain infection, hearing loss, brain swelling, death)
- Hepatitis A (liver failure, pancreatic disease, blood disorders)
- Pertussis/whooping cough (pneumonia, difficulty breathing, death)
- Tetanus (painful muscle spasms/rigidity, broken bones, death)
- Meningococcal disease (limb amputation, seizure, stroke, death)
Fortunately, many vaccines are safely combined to help limit the number of injections your child receives during an immunization visit. For example, the MMR vaccine can prevent measles, mumps, and rubella. The DTaP is also a single injection that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).
We’re always available to answer your questions about childhood vaccines or other health issues. To schedule an evaluation, call our friendly office staff or request an appointment online today.