A Shot of Good Health for Our Children

It's the beginning of a new school year and often a hectic time for parents. Whether your child is off to school or day care, it's important to remember that childhood immunizations are keys for a healthy future.

"Many parents worry about ensuring their children have the best clothes, toys, or baby furniture. Making sure your children are up-to-date with their immunizations is the best gift you can give them," says Dr. Robert Yetman, medical director of the Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital pediatric clinic and associate professor of pediatrics at The University of Texas-Houston Medical School.

Following is the vaccination schedule recommended for children up to 6. Also included are some of the most commonly asked questions about immunizations.

What immunizations are currently recommended and when?

The immunization schedule changes slightly on a regular basis. For this reason, parents should always check with the health care provider (physician, nurse practitioner, etc.) to make sure that they know and understand the latest recommendations.

Are there risks associated with immunizations?

Vaccines are safe and effective in preventing the diseases for which they were developed. Side effects can and do occur on a rare basis. The most common side effects include fevers and rashes although they vary from immunization to immunization. Although quite rare, news reports have focused on more serious side effects such as seizures and brain damage. It is important to note that the overwhelming majority of health care providers never see any of these rare complications. Concerned parents are encouraged to discuss the specific side effects of each vaccine with their health care provider to review with them so that precautions can be taken.

Are any of these immunizations new?

The polio vaccine is in the process of changing from the oral version most children have received in the past to a new injectable version (again to reduce the chance of side effects). Pharmaceutical researchers continually work on new vaccines to protect against diseases as well as new combinations of older vaccines to make the immunization schedule more convenient for parents and children.

Is it important to stay on schedule or does it hurt if my child misses one of the doses?

The American Academy of Pediatrics schedule of childhood immunizations was developed with safety and effectiveness in mind. The bottom line is that to prevent the most diseases possible and to keep our children as healthy as possible, the immunizations must be given on time. Any delays in immunizations put children at risk for the more serious complications (including death) of these naturally occurring diseases.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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