As a new parent, getting numerous immunizations or vaccinations for your child may seem overwhelming. However, these shots can protect your child from deadly diseases, as well as keep other vulnerable children safe by eliminating the risk of spread from child to child. Learning more about how vaccines work, as well as the types of diseases they can protect against may help to explain the importance of these immunizations for your child. If you need a pediatrician for your child's immunizations in Birmingham, AL, consider Acton Road Pediatrics.
How Do Immunizations Work?
Immunizations contain a dead or weakened version of a disease, which is then administered into the body via a syringe so that your immune system can begin to build up its defenses. In this way, your child will be able to make antibodies for deadly diseases, kick-starting their immune-fighting process so that if they are ever exposed to the disease itself their body will be better equipped to recognize and fight off the disease. Since there is always a risk of side effects for any medication, it is important to talk to your child's pediatrician about any allergies they may have before getting immunizations to minimize their risk of having a negative reaction.
What Diseases Do They Protect Against?
There are many diseases in which your pediatrician may recommend that your child be vaccinated against, following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Currently, these diseases include polio (IPV), diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DPT), measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), rotavirus, pneumococcal disease, and Haemophilus influenza (Hib). Luckily, your child will not get all of these vaccinations at one time, and your pediatrician will help you set up a schedule for when each should be given to space them out and help you better keep track of your child's immunizations in Birmingham, AL.
Where Can My Child Get Vaccinated?
If you are looking for a pediatrician to immunize your child against deadly diseases in Birmingham, AL, call Acton Road Pediatrics today at (205) 978-8245.