MyChart
Keeping your little one healthy
Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting and joyous time. As a parent, your top priority is ensuring your little one’s health and well-being. One of the most effective ways to protect your baby from serious illnesses is through vaccinations.
Imagine a world where preventable diseases like measles, polio, and whooping cough were common. Thanks to vaccines, we live in a world where these diseases are rare. By vaccinating your child, you’re not only protecting them but also helping to create a healthier community for everyone.
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines work by introducing a weakened or inactive form of a virus or bacteria to your child’s body. This triggers the immune system to develop antibodies, which are like soldiers that fight off the real disease if your child encounters it in the future. By being vaccinated, your child becomes immune to the disease without experiencing its full-blown effects.
Imagine your child’s body as a fortress, with immunizations serving as the strong walls that protect it from invaders like diseases. They not only protect them but also help create herd immunity within the community. The best part? Mass vaccination is like a force field, protecting the entire community – and this is especially crucial for people who, due to medical reasons, can’t get vaccinated and rely on everyone else to keep them safe.
Recommended immunization schedule
Following a recommended immunization schedule is crucial to ensure your child receives the necessary protection at the right time. For every child in the US, the CDC offers a thorough guide to staying healthy, from the earliest years to young adulthood. In addition, the Minnesota Department of Health has defined required and recommended vaccinations for all Minnesota kids.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Child immunization chart
- Minnesota Department of Health
Vaccines for Infants, Children, and Adolescents
These resources provide information on the specific age at which each vaccine is recommended and the number of doses required for optimal protection.
The recommended schedule outlines vaccinations for various diseases, including:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP)
- Polio
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
- Pneumococcal
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- COVID-19
- Influenza (flu)
- Rotavirus
Addressing common concerns
Many parents have questions and concerns about immunizations. Here are some common ones addressed:
- Safety first – One of the most common concerns is vaccine safety. We’re picky about our vaccines. Really picky. Before we’re confident they’re safe and effective, they’re rigorously tested and monitored every step of the way. Then – and only then – do we give them the green light. Serious side effects from vaccines are extremely rare. Mild reactions like redness at the injection site or a low-grade fever are common and usually resolve quickly. Visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website for additional details on vaccine testing and safety and side effects.
- Overloading my child’s immune system – It’s a common misconception that vaccines overload a child’s immune system. The truth is that your child is constantly exposed to germs and viruses, building immunity naturally. Shots in arms equal savings in lives – vaccines are our strongest defense against infectious diseases.
- Natural immunity vs. vaccine-induced immunity – While it’s true that getting a disease can provide immunity, it’s often a risky and unnecessary way to achieve protection. If avoiding risks is your top priority, vaccines are a trustworthy guardian of your child’s well-being. Some health conditions can take a devastating turn, leaving us with chronic illnesses or, in the worst-case scenario, fatalities.
- Autism and vaccines – The scientific consensus is clear: there is no link between vaccines and autism. Extensive research has consistently shown that this claim is unfounded. While this might be surprising or unsettling, it’s important to rely on established facts when making health decisions. Read the science at the Autism Science Foundation.
- Vaccine ingredients – Some parents are concerned about vaccine ingredients. While it’s true that vaccines contain preservatives and other additives, these are carefully selected and tested to ensure they are safe for children. Vaccines have a resounding victory in the safety department, boasting benefits that tower over any potential hazards – and it’s not even close.
Remember, your Welia Health Family Medicine provider is the best resource for addressing any concerns you may have about immunizations. Please don’t hesitate to discuss any questions or concerns with your provider.
Take action
Staying up-to-date with your child’s immunizations is critical for their health. Schedule regular well-child visits with your Welia Health provider to ensure they receive the recommended vaccinations at the appropriate time. Talk to your provider about a catch-up schedule if your child is behind on their immunizations.
Well-child visits are offered by our Family Medicine providers in Mora, Hinckley and Pine City. Call Welia Health at 1.800.245.5671 or schedule an appointment using MyChart.
You want the best for your child, and so do the experts. By injecting a healthy dose of common sense into your parenting routine (literally!) and following the recommended immunization schedule, you’re checking all the right boxes for a healthy life.
