Vaccinations are a simple and effective way to protect children from many serious illnesses and diseases. Vaccines work by prompting the body to develop antibodies and build immunity to certain diseases. The experienced and caring providers at Sacramento Valley Pediatrics in Sacramento & Elk Grove, CA, offer vaccinations and other services to help kids enjoy better health. 

Importance of Vaccinations

The importance of childhood vaccinations cannot be emphasized enough. Vaccines make it possible for kids to build up immunity to many serious diseases, including several that are potentially life-threatening. Additionally, vaccination stops the spread of these illnesses and diseases since children cannot pass them on to others when they are vaccinated. This is especially beneficial to kids with weakened immune systems who cannot be vaccinated, such as those in treatment for cancer.

Another reason vaccination is important is because it helps lead to the eradication of certain deadly diseases over time. For example, years of vaccination and immunization against smallpox — a once serious and highly contagious disease — have essentially eradicated it so that it is no longer a threat. 

Vaccination and Immunization Schedules

The skilled providers at our pediatric offices in Sacramento & Elk Grove, CA, believe vaccinations are a safe and effective method for protecting children from numerous diseases. We follow the vaccination and immunization schedules developed by the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). These schedules provide guidelines regarding the ages at which different doses of various vaccines should be administered for the best results. 

There are three separate immunization schedules. The first outlines the vaccines and doses to be administered from birth through 6 years old, while the second schedule includes the vaccines and doses to be administered from ages 7 to 18 years. The third schedule is a catch-up schedule for kids who started vaccinations late or have fallen more than a month behind the regular schedule. 

Safety of Vaccines

Vaccines have undergone years of rigorous scientific and medical testing and are considered to be completely safe, as well as highly effective in preventing various life-threatening diseases. Many vaccines are administered by injection and some kids might experience mild redness, soreness, or swelling at the injection site. These side effects are temporary. In rare cases, some children could have an allergic reaction to a particular vaccine, but most kids respond well to immunization. 

There is nothing to fear when it comes to vaccinations. They are safe and provide an excellent means of protecting kids from many serious diseases and illnesses. Schedule an appointment with one of our providers to ensure your kids are up to date with their vaccinations by calling Sacramento Valley Pediatrics in Sacramento & Elk Grove, CA. Call (916) 681-1130 for the Sacramento office or (916) 714-9777 for our Elk Grove location.