Whether you are a new or seasoned parent, you worry about your baby’s safety. You use car seats, baby-proofing and other ways to keep your child safe, but one of the most important ways to protect your child is to make sure they have all their vaccinations. National Infant Immunization Week, April 25-May 2, serves as a call to action for parents, caregivers and healthcare providers to emphasize the importance of protecting young children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Very young children do not have fully mature immune systems, making them more vulnerable to contracting serious diseases. Vaccines contain a weak amount of virus or bacteria, which triggers the body’s immune system to create antibodies, giving the infant the ability to fight the virus or bacteria.
By the time they reach two years old, a child should receive vaccinations to protect him or her from up to many different diseases including influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, and meningitis.
For immunization to be effective the child must receive vaccines before he or she comes into contact with the disease. It is important not to skip or delay vaccines because doing so leaves your child vulnerable to disease for a longer period of time.
Vaccines have reduced or completely eliminated diseases that have historically killed or severely disabled thousands of children. However, because most of today’s parents have never seen the devastating effects of these diseases, they assume there is no need for immunization or do not consider immunization a priority.
Infants may receive their first vaccine soon after birth. Begin discussing your infant’s immunization schedule with your pediatrician during a prenatal care visit and after your child’s birth. In observance of National Infant Immunization Week, Marion Regional Healthcare System encourages you to schedule your baby’s vaccination appointment by calling 843-431-2000.
This column is provided by the doctors and staff of Marion Regional Healthcare System.
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