Which Immunizations Are Right for My Child's Age Group?

Immunizations or vaccines are crucial to disease prevention. They protect the vaccinated people and those around them who are unvaccinated or more susceptible to various diseases because of their compromised immune systems. The reason for this is that the infection won’t be able to spread if the majority of individuals in the community are vaccinated. Likewise, immunizations minimize the disability and death rates from infections such as chickenpox, whooping cough, and measles.

If you’re unsure which immunizations are suitable for your children, you can always consult with our pediatrician Dr. Anthony DiGeorge here at Southwestern Pediatrics in Maricopa, AZ, to learn about the right child immunizations.

Routine Childhood Immunizations

In most cases, children get their first immunization at birth, while the others will be scheduled throughout their childhood from then on. You can refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for the recommended schedules. It has an easy-to-understand vaccination schedule for all age groups, including adults. Many diseases are now preventable if you follow the immunization guidelines:

• Hep B: For hepatitis B
• Hep A: For hepatitis A
• Hib: For Haemophilus influenza type b that could cause spinal meningitis as well as other more severe infections
• MMR: For mumps, measles, and rubella
• Meningococcal: For meningococcal disease
• DTaP: For tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough or pertussis
• IPV or inactivated polio vaccine: For polio
• Varicella: For chickenpox
• PCV13/Pneumococcal vaccine: For pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infection
• RV or rotavirus vaccine: For severe diarrhea and vomiting due to rotavirus
• Flu vaccine: For various flu viruses
• HPV or human papillomavirus vaccine: For HPV, which is linked to cancers, most notably cervical cancer

Other Vital Reminders on Children’s Immunizations

Following the recommended immunization schedule of the CDC and visiting your pediatrician in Maricopa, AZ, for routine childhood immunizations will help ensure that your children are protected from all sorts of childhood diseases. However, it’s immensely crucial to point out that adults should likewise ensure that they’re already immune to particular infections and get routine immunizations for certain diseases like chickenpox, the flu, mumps, pertussis, and shingles.

Why? Because these childhood diseases could, in fact, result in serious, even fatal, complications in some adults. This is especially true for people who are immunocompromised due to underlying diseases, certain medical treatments, or age.

Reach Out to Us For Any Questions or More Information on Child Immunizations

Contact Southwestern Pediatrics in Maricopa, AZ, at (520) 568-9500 to arrange your appointment with Dr. Anthony DiGeorge today.