Vaccinations are one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent serious disease. Vaccines protect both children and adults from the viruses and bacteria that can cause potentially serious consequences. They strengthen our immune system by developing antibodies against various diseases. Ensuring children receive all their scheduled vaccinations at the right time, is the best way to protect them, and those around them, from contagious diseases.
Let’s talk about the importance of vaccination and where you can go for immunizations and comprehensive healthcare.
Importance of Vaccination
Although several vaccines have been developed so far, there are some diseases that do still exist and are more prevalent in other countries which are only a short plane ride away. This makes vaccines necessary, irrespective of whether other children in school and those around us are already vaccinated.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have released a recommended schedule of immunizations to ensure children receive the appropriate vaccinations at the ideal time and help them protect against certain illnesses.
Are Vaccines Safe?
The immunization schedule is extensively researched and assessed using the most current scientific information available. It is documented to be the safest and most effective way to protect children from preventable diseases and infections and is approved by the AAP, the CDC, and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Which Vaccinations My Child Need?
The immunization schedule tells you which vaccinations your child requires and when. It begins from birth, when children receive their first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine, continuing up to the age of 18, including:
- Hepatitis (Hep) B vaccine
- Rotavirus (RV) vaccine
- DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis) vaccine
- Haemophilus (Hib) vaccine
- Pneumococcal (PCV13) vaccine
- Inactivated poliovirus (IPV) vaccine
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine
- Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine
- Hepatitis (Hep) A vaccine
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
- Meningococcal (MenACWY and MenB) vaccine
- Pneumococcal vaccine
- COVID-19 vaccination
The influenza (flu) vaccine is recommended annually to protect children from the latest strains of influenza.
In rare cases there may be exceptions that will prevent a child from having a particular vaccination, or at a specific time, such as if they are sick, have a serious allergy to ingredients within the vaccine, have a chronic condition, or take medication that weakens their immune system.
If you are unsure whether your child can be vaccinated, or you have concerns about a particular vaccine, you shouldn’t hesitate to seek advice from your health provider.
Where to Get Your Child Vaccinated
Nowadays, you can get most recommended vaccinations from a variety of healthcare providers, including:
- Your doctor’s or pediatrician’s office
- Urgent care/immunization center
- Local pharmacy
- Health center
- Travel clinic
- Health department
Adult and pediatric urgent care centers offer a quick and convenient solution to ensuring scheduled vaccinations are received at the appropriate time. Delaying or missing a vaccine can be harmful to a child and make others more vulnerable to potentially life-threatening diseases.
Immunizations Center Ft. Worth, TX
At EMC Express Care, our experienced healthcare professionals understand the importance of immunizations and hence, offer an extensive array of immunizations and comprehensive healthcare to protect people of all ages against potentially serious diseases. We can respond to all your nonemergency medical needs quickly and effectively at our walk-in center in North Richland Hills, Texas.
Our services include school and routine physicals, treatment for minor injuries and other urgent but non-life-threatening conditions, onsite lab testing, X-ray facilities, and a range of other services.
To know more about our services, call us today at (817) 503-8800, or simply visit our walk-in clinic, open daily from 10 am to 8 pm.
