Sticking to your child’s immunization schedule is more important than ever
Life right now is busier than ever. So, it’s not a surprise that many children have missed their vaccines in the last year. This is concerning because when children miss a vaccine for a disease, they don’t have full protection from it. It also means they could get that disease and give it to other children and adults.
That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents stay on track with their child’s immunization schedule. Vaccinating your child on time is the best thing you can do to protect them.
Missed a vaccine? It’s easy to catch up.
If your child has missed a vaccination, don’t worry. According to the CDC, you don’t need to start over, but you should make an appointment with your child’s doctor as soon as possible. If they’ve missed a few doses, your doctor may want to schedule more than one visit.
Why it’s important to follow the recommended vaccination schedule
There are some very serious – and sometimes deadly – diseases that your child’s immune system may not be strong enough to handle. Vaccines give them immunity to those diseases and illnesses, so skipping or delaying a dose means if they’re exposed to one, they might not be able to fight it off.
The childhood vaccination schedule is based on recommendations from medical and public health experts. They review a number of factors, including: vaccine safety and effectiveness; the severity of the disease being vaccinated against; and how the vaccine works at different ages. Following the schedule ensures that your child is protected from serious diseases at exactly the right time. Learn more about why on time vaccination matters.
If you have more questions or concerns about vaccines, talk to your child’s doctor. Children with certain medical conditions might have special vaccine needs. If it’s been a while since your child has seen their pediatrician, you can log in to your online account to find their contact information and schedule a visit.
You can also learn more on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) website and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
