Pediatricians vaccinate children from birth through the age of 18 to prevent harmful diseases and their complications. The doctors at
Children's Physicians in Palm City, Juniper and Palm Beach Gardens, FL, urge parents to understand the reasons behind their youngsters' immunizations and to stick with the recommended schedules. Vaccines are just another way to keep your kids healthy as they move through life's developmental stages. Is your child up to date on his or her immunizations?
Why vaccinate?
Currently, children may be immunized against 14 potentially harmful diseases. Just a few decades ago, the number was about half that, and two generations ago, the polio vaccine did not even exist. Now, according to the World Health Organization, polio is all but gone, except in the poorest areas of the globe.
So, when we think of the long-term illness, hospitalizations, and potential birth defects that result from communicable diseases, it makes sense to get children immunized. If you have concerns about the safety of vaccines, or if your child has not started or is behind in his or her schedule, please talk to your health care provider at Children's Physicians.
The immunization schedule
Posted to this website, the immunization schedule follows the recomnendation of the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The guidelines for the 0 to 6 age group differ from the ones for the 7 to 18 group. Also, there is a "catch-up" schedule for children who have gotten one month behind or are simply late in starting immunizations.
It's important to note that most basically healthy children can receive their vaccines on schedule even if they have a bit of a cold or diarrhea. Check with your pediatrician if you have any questions about postponing a shot for any reason.
Parents, most children do really well with getting their immunizations. Reactions typically are localized and may include soreness and redness at the injection site, irritability or a slight fever.
Finally, here is a list of the diseases vaccines guard against. When you simply read through the names, you'll see why immunizations in Palm City, Juniper and Palm Beach Gardens are vital to the health of children everywhere. The list includes:
- Chickenpox
- Diptheria
- Pertussis
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Tetanus
- Haemophilus influenza
- Hepatitis A and B
- Influenza
- Meningitis
- Human Papillomavirus
- Pneumococcal pneumonia
It's what we do
Besides immunizations, the professional staff at Children's Physicians provides a wide range of medical services, all aimed at giving the finest in pediatric care to families in Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter and Palm City. Included in these services are:
- Sick and well-child visits, including charting growth and development
- School and sports physicals
- Referrals for developmental, behavioral or specialty medical services
- Baseline speech, hearing and vision examinations
Please contact the office nearest you for any of your child's routine or urgent health care needs. In Palm Beach Gardens, call (561) 626-4000. In Jupiter, phone (561) 743-9000, and in Palm City, call (772) 219-4444.