Why Child Immunizations Are So Important

Is your child current on his or her vaccines? A mainstay of preventive pediatric care, childhood immunizations provided here at ImmunizationsSouthwestern Pediatrics in Maricopa, AZ, help keep your child in top medical shape! Dr. Anthony DiGeorge and his professional team adhere to the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and highly commend the benefits of these reliable and fully-vetted medications.

 

What are immunizations?

A child immunization in Maricopa is a killed or weakened form of a virus or bacteria. Usually injected although sometimes taken orally or through the nose, vaccines stimulate the immune system to fight off infectious diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, whooping cough, and more.

Besides benefiting the immunized child, inoculation of whole populations confers what epidemiologists (experts in disease transmission) call herd immunity. The principle behind herd immunity is this: the more children inoculated, the more people (including those who cannot receive these medications for medical reasons) are protected. Through herd immunity, routine immunizations have all but eradicated a number of disabling and sometimes fatal diseases in the United States, including smallpox and polio.

 

How vaccines are administered

At Southwestern Pediatrics, the philosophy is "Health starts early." We administer immunizations during routine well-child visits, adhering to the AAP's schedules of birth to 6 years and 7 to 18 years. There is also a catch-up schedule for children who have begun vaccines late.

Children are now protected against 18 communicable diseases which include:

  • Mumps
  • Chickenpox
  • Rubella
  • Flu
  • Rotavirus
  • Human papilloma virus (HPV)
  • Tetanus

The team at Southwestern Pediatrics carefully documents the administration of vaccines and distributes records as needed for school, clubs, sports teams, daycare, camp and more.

While serious side effects are very rare, they can happen. So, if you have any concerns about your child's health after he or she has received an immunization, call the office right away. However, most reactions to these medications are mild and localized. They include low-grade fever, fussiness, and a reddened and/or sore injection site.

 

Protect your children

Immunizations are so beneficial for your child, your family, and the community at large. To schedule the next well-child visit, phone Southwestern Pediatrics at (520) 568-9500.

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Monday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

9:00 am - 8:00 pm

Thursday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

Monday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday
Closed