Immunizations

Immunizations have saved millions from horrible diseases, permanent disability, and premature death. The experienced team at Pediatric Medical Associates, with offices in Sacramento and Folsom, California, helps families keep their children up-to-date on their immunizations from infancy to adolescence. If you have questions about immunizations, their safety, and which ones are appropriate, call one of the offices today or use this website to schedule an appointment online.

Why are immunizations so important?

Immunizations protect your child from several severe diseases. They have successfully wiped out, or nearly wiped out, illnesses that used to devastate the community, including smallpox and polio. 

Immunizations protect your child but also reduce the instance of disease in the community, protecting vulnerable populations who cannot get the vaccines.

What immunizations does my child need?

Immunizations are offered at different points and stages in your child’s life, many in the first year or two. The primary ones recommended include: 

• DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis)
• Polio
• HIB (haemophilus influenzae type b)
• Hepatitis A and/or B
• PCV-13 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine)
• Rotavirus
• Varicella (chicken pox)
• MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)

Your child receives these immunizations on a carefully developed schedule based on their age and health. When your child reaches school age and adolescence, they benefit from vaccines like meningococcal and human papillomavirus (HPV). They may also need boosters during these older years. 

Other important vaccines include the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine. These are administered yearly as the strains of these viruses change over time. 

Are immunizations safe?

Immunizations have been widely tested and applied to protect children, teens, and adults. They protect people from serious diseases that can cause lifelong health problems and even death. 

If you have concerns about your child receiving immunizations, talk to a trusted pediatrician at Pediatric Medical Associates. They can help you understand how these vaccines work and assure you of their importance, efficacy, and safety. 

Do immunizations cause side effects?

Your child may suffer mild side effects after receiving a vaccine. It’s normal for a baby to be fussy or have a low fever for a day or two following certain immunizations as their body works to develop the immunity they need. Some patients have soreness at the injection site, too. 

These side effects are common and no cause for alarm. Rest and at-home remedies should make your child feel much better quickly, but feel free to contact your provider with any questions or concerns.

Call Pediatric Medical Associates to schedule your child’s necessary immunizations to ensure they are protected. You can also use this website to schedule an appointment online.