There has been a lot of debate lately about the merit of immunizations. Although there are differing opinions, immunizations are the safest and best way to protect your child from fatal and life altering diseases. Almost all children should be immunized. As a parent it is important that you know what to do to ensure that the immunizations are working as effectively as possible. Here are a couple things you need to know.
1. Stay On Schedule
There is a specific schedule that should be followed when immunizing your child. Your child's pediatrician at a place like Willow Oak Pediatrics usually schedule well child check-ups around the same time that the child needs to have their immunizations. Any time you fall behind on a booster you put your child at risk. The immunizations only work well when they are strong.
In addition, you shouldn't get your child immunized earlier than they should be. This can also be dangerous. Professionals have studied and determine the optimal time to immunize the child. If you accidently give a child a booster too close to when their received the first shot it could harm their immune system. This is why you should keep close track of the child immunizations dates and stick to them.
2. Don't Immunize The Child When They Are Sick
As a general rule you shouldn't immunize your child if they are severly sick. The child needs to have a healthy and strong immune system to handle the immunization. If they are already running a fever, or are immune compromised you should wait until they are better. This hopefully doesn't ruin the schedule too much. A week or two difference is not going to harm the child. However, waiting a month or more could endanger the child and leave them susceptible to dangerous illnesses. Talk to your doctor about the right time.
3. Avoid Giving The Child Acetaminophen Before The Immunizations
In the past people would give their child a fever reducer before they got their shots. Now we know that this can prevent the full effect of the vaccination. The whole goal of the vaccination is to jump the immune system into drive. You need the child's immune system to start making antibodies that will fight off the disease. If you give the child a fever reducer you might prevent immunization from taking full effect. For this reason, you should hold off on the medications unless the child has an adverse reaction.
By doing these things you can ensure that your child has a positive experience with their vaccinations.
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