By Michele Eggers, senior quality care coordinator at Network Health
Originally published on 3/17/2021 at 11:09 a.m.
The coronavirus and COVID pandemic has impacted much of our lives, making us reschedule and adjust our annual routines around availability and safety measures.
Because of these changes, many children may not be on schedule with routine vaccinations. It is important to continue to follow public health guidelines during the pandemic. Clinics are taking steps to ensure safety for essential services, such as annual well-child visits and routine vaccinations.
The internet contains a great deal of information about vaccines. Unfortunately, some of the information is not accurate. It’s important to use credible sources and get answers you can trust when making health care decisions.
Vaccines are typically made from dead or weakened parts of viruses or bacteria that cause illness. These antigens cause our immune systems to react and build up antibodies, which then help protect us if we are exposed to the actual illness.
Vaccines go through stringent testing before being approved for use and are routinely monitored with any potential safety concerns thoroughly investigated. Common side effects include minor swelling and soreness at the injection site and/or a low-grade fever. These side effects are a result of the body’s immune system responding to the vaccine, and normally go away within a few days or even less.
Talk to your child’s doctor if you have concerns about potential side effects. Common vaccine questions are addressed on The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
Routine vaccinations help protect children and adolescents from serious diseases that were once prevalent in the United States. Staying on track with vaccinations helps keep your child healthy, keeps them from missing school or childcare, and keeps you from missing work. Learn more about the illnesses vaccines prevent on the CDC website.
The vaccinations recommended for your child will depend on age, previous vaccinations received, and the vaccine being given. Routine vaccinations recommended by the CDC include the following.
You can find additional details regarding vaccination schedules on the CDC website.
Following the immunization schedule for your child is important. Consider these ideas to help ensure you’re able to meet important dates and deadlines.
If you’re looking for information on how your health plan can help keep your child up to date on their immunizations, we’d love to help. Contact us today.