Vaccine Introduction
More Information
Vaccines are given to children in order to teach the immune system how to recognize and fight bacteria and viruses before an infection happens. Childhood vaccines help prevent deadly diseases such as meningitis, hepatitis, pneumonia, and influenza. They are especially important for infants whose immune systems are not yet well-developed. Our physician feels strongly that children be vaccinated according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Vaccine Schedule. (The vaccine schedule is updated yearly and is available at www.aap.org and www.cdc.gov)
Each time your child is scheduled for vaccinations our pediatricians will review with you each vaccine, possible side effects, and the appropriate anti-fever medication dosing. We also provide a VIS (Vaccine Information Sheet) from the CDC which reviews each vaccine in detail. The VIS are also available on the website.
If your child is unvaccinated or behind on vaccines, our doctor can work with you to develop a catch-up schedule. Families who alter from the recommended AAP vaccine schedule must have a vaccine agreement with planned catch-up schedule on-file in order to be seen at the office. If you have questions regarding protecting your child’s health through vaccinations please speak to Dr. Lincoln.
Before Vaccines
Parents in the United States could expect that Every year:
- Polio would paralyze 10,000 children.
- Rubella (German measles) would cause birth defects and mental retardation in as many as 20,000 newborns.
- Measles would infect about 4 million children, killing 3,000.
- Diphtheria would be one of the most common causes of death in school-aged children.
- A bacterium called Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) would cause meningitis in 15,000 children, leaving many with permanent brain damage.
- Pertussis (whooping cough) would kill thousands of infants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q - Is my baby too young to get vaccines?
A - No. If children are not too young to be... (click for more)
Q - Will vaccines overwhelm my baby’s immune system?
A - A more practical way to determine... (click for more)
Q - How do vaccines work?
A - To understand how vaccines work... (click for more)
Q - How are vaccines made?
A - Vaccines are made using the same... (click for more)
Q - Are combination vaccines safe?
A - An increasing number of new and... (click for more)
Q - Are vaccines really linked to autism?
A - AAP understands parents concerns... (click for more)
Q - Is it true the link between autism and MMR has not really been studied?
A - 23 studies refute connection... (click for more)
Q - Is the MMR vaccine still necessary? Should it be split into 3 components?
A - If diseases have been nearly eliminated... (click for more)
Q - What are the ingredients in vaccines?
A - Vaccines developed in four ways... (click for more)
Q - Why is aluminum in vaccines? Is it safe?
A - Yes. Given quantities of aluminum... (click for more)
Q - How can I help my child prepare for the vaccines?
A - ... (click for more)
Q - Can my sick child receive vaccines?
A - Some parents may be concerned that... (click for more)
Q - Where can I read more about each vaccine?
A - Two great sources: 1. CHOP; 2. CDC
Learn more about vaccines through pictures and video
Pictures of vaccine-preventable diseases
Videos on vaccine safety and parent concerns
