Immunizations

Preventing illnesses from spreading is one of the best ways to protect your child and the community they live in. The board-certified pediatricians and nurse practitioners at One World Pediatrics in Longwood, Florida, strongly believe in the power of immunizations. They work with you to ensure your child stays on their vaccine schedule to keep your family healthy and safe. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about immunizations and book your child’s visit.

What are immunizations?

Immunizations, or vaccinations, are preventive measures that protect your child from serious diseases by strengthening their natural immune system. These shots introduce small amounts of viruses or contagious illnesses into your child’s body, triggering their immune response. This allows their immune system to build antibodies — proteins that fight off these illnesses in the future.

Which immunizations do children need?

Children need a wide range of immunizations starting at birth. Some of the most commonly recommended vaccines include:

• Hepatitis B (HepB)
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Polio (IPV)
• Pneumococcal (PCV)
• Rotavirus
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Influenza (flu shot)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Meningococcal vaccine

The team may also recommend the COVID-19 vaccine to protect your child against serious symptoms, such as respiratory issues, and help prevent the spread of the virus to others. Booster shots are also essential to maintain your child’s immunity and ensure they stay protected over time.

Why are immunizations important?

Immunizations protect your child, family, and community from potentially life-threatening contagious diseases and illnesses. Viruses need hosts to survive and spread. When more people are vaccinated, they create what’s known as herd immunity. This strengthens the entire community’s protection against diseases, resulting in fewer cases.

Vaccinations can eradicate certain diseases. For example, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that smallpox was eradicated in 1980, saving millions of lives.

Are immunizations safe?

Immunizations are very safe for children and adults. All vaccines undergo rigorous testing and regulations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research before they reach the public. 

The small risks that immunizations do pose, such as soreness and swelling at the injection site, flu-like symptoms, and mild fever, are usually temporary and far outweigh the benefits of preventing serious illnesses.

One World Pediatrics strongly believes in the strengthening power of vaccines and encourages parents to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s vaccine schedule. 

If you have questions about the safety or effectiveness of vaccines, the team is happy to help. Call One World Pediatrics or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about immunizations.