Why Your Child Needs Vaccinations

Vaccinations are one of the most beneficial things you can give your child's immune system. They're tiny doses of weakened or inactivated germs help your child's body recognize and fight off these germs in the future. Think of them as practice rounds for the immune system so it's ready to defend against real threats.

These shots offer incredible benefits. Vaccinations protect kids from serious diseases like measles, mumps, chickenpox, and more. Vaccines help keep your child and the community safe by creating a shield of immunity. It's like a force field that helps prevent outbreaks.

Decatur Pediatric Group in Clarkston, GA, recommends a visit right from the start. We follow a schedule that starts at birth and continues into adolescence, ensuring your child gets the right vaccines at the appropriate times. Early vaccinations are crucial because young children are more vulnerable to infections.

Why Your Child Needs Vaccinations

Vaccinations protect your child's health and well-being. They shield them from dangerous diseases that can cause severe illness, long-term complications, and fatality. By vaccinating your child, you're providing them with a powerful defense against these threats.

Consider measles. Without vaccination, your child could contract this highly contagious disease. Measles can lead to high fever, cough, and a characteristic rash. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia or brain swelling, which can be fatal. Another example is polio. When allowing your child the polio vaccine, you prevent them from experiencing paralysis and lifelong disability.

Vaccinations protect your child but also contribute to community immunity. When enough people in a community are vaccinated, it creates a shield against diseases, reducing the risk of outbreaks. Prioritize vaccinations to safeguard your child's health, foster their growth, and contribute to the overall well-being of your community. It's a responsible and caring choice that ensures a healthier future for your child and those around them.

Scheduling Your Child's Vaccination Appointments

Schedule vaccinations for your child according to the recommended immunization schedule provided by your healthcare provider. Typically, our pediatrician administers vaccinations in Clarkston, GA, during well-child check-ups at specific ages. Your baby should receive their first hepatitis B vaccine shortly after birth. At two months - they'll need shots for diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP), and polio and pneumococcal infections.

At four months, your child will get follow-up doses of these vaccines. Around six months, they may receive additional vaccines like influenza and rotavirus. At 12-15 months, a pediatrician administers MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), varicella, and hepatitis A. Between 15-18 months, they'll receive boosters for DTaP and the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine. As your child grows, vaccines like the HPV and meningococcal vaccines may be recommended by our pediatrician during the preteen and teen years.

Please explore our website to learn about the conditions we treat and the services provided. If you have questions or concerns regarding vaccinations and want to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified doctors at Decatur Pediatric Group in Clarkston, GA, call (404) 296-7133.