The Importance of Childhood Vaccinations

There are many things that you, as a parent, can do to protect your child from harm. Making sure they are up to date on their immunizations is one of the most important.

Why Vaccinate?

Vaccines protect us from serious, often deadly, diseases. Before the days of immunizations, diseases such as smallpox, polio, diphtheria, whooping cough, measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox were serious health threats. Many people were quarantined, hospitalized, paralyzed or died because of these diseases. Thanks to vaccines, these diseases are now either extinct or rare in the U.S. Unfortunately, as we’ve seen in recent national news stories, some of these diseases are returning again. This is due to fewer children being immunized.

“Vaccine-preventable diseases are still a threat to our ourselves and our children. This can be seen through recent outbreaks,” said Richard Van Enk, Ph.D, former director of infection prevention and epidemiology at Bronson. “When the non-immunized population reaches between five and ten percent or more, the population is no longer protected through herd immunity. This opens us up to outbreaks. The only way to reliably protect ourselves and our children against these diseases is with vaccines.”

American Academy of Pediatrics Immunization Schedule

What Happens If Children Aren’t Vaccinated?

If children are not up to date on their immunizations, they can easily contract diseases they are exposed to. Many of the diseases that we vaccinate for are still carried by people who do not appear sick, and they can expose others - in particular, unvaccinated children. For some of those diseases, there is no specific treatment. The child may be sick at home or in the hospital for weeks. Some diseases leave permanent damage, and some can be fatal.

“Children who have weakened immune systems, even if they’ve been vaccinated, are particularly at risk,” said VanEnk. “If they are around unimmunized children who may be carrying the disease, it is very dangerous. Parents who have children with compromised immune systems really want to be able to count on other parents to be vigilant about vaccinations.”

What Are Some Side Effects of Vaccines?

Some children may notice minor effects after receiving a vaccination. The most common side effects are:

• Mild fever
• Soreness at the injection site (when given as a shot)

“All vaccine side effects are manageable and actually indicate that the vaccine is working and the immune system is being stimulated,” explains Van Enk.

What About Flu Shots?

Most immunizations are given as a series of 1-3 shots. When the series is complete, the child has lasting protection. Influenza is different because it needs to be given every year. Infants as young as six months should receive the flu vaccine annually, beginning in October.

What Vaccines Do Your Kids Need?

Vaccines are tested to ensure that they are safe and effective. Review the following list to see what vaccine your little ones may be ready for.

Contact your child's pediatrician for more information on childhood vaccines. If you need a pediatrician, visit our bronsonhealth.com/find-a-doc.

Has Your Child Been Vaccinated for COVID-19?

COVID-19 vaccines are available for anyone age 6 months and above.

• Schedule an appointment at one of Bronson’s Vaccine Clinics: Schedule in your MyChart account.
• Walk-in vaccines are available at any of our Vaccination Stations (located within all four of our Bronson Hospitals - near the Emergency Departments).
• If your child has a well child visit coming up, COVID-19 vaccines can be received during this appointment.

COVID-19 Vaccines at Bronson