Pediatricians at UHS stress the importance of keeping up with children’s vaccination schedules to ensure their overall physical health. They urge parents to prioritize well-child appointments for checkups and vaccinations, warning that delays in immunization can leave children susceptible to preventable diseases with potentially severe complications.
National Infant Immunization Week, observed from April 24 to 30 this year, serves as a reminder to update children’s vaccinations. This annual event underscores the importance of immunizations in safeguarding infants and acknowledges the achievements of vaccination programs in promoting public health.
For over a century, childhood immunizations have shielded generations of American children, beginning with the whooping cough vaccine in 1914. Vaccines for measles and polio followed, with pneumococcal disease and chicken pox vaccines introduced in the 1990s. The list of recommended vaccines is developed through thorough safety and efficacy reviews by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ensuring children’s health is protected to the highest standards.
Vaccine formulations have been refined over the years to achieve the best immune response with minimal antigen. Pediatricians advocate for trusting the scientific evidence supporting vaccinations instead of misinformation driven by fear. They assert they would not administer a vaccine unless its benefits greatly outweigh any risks.
Mary DeGuardi, MD, director of pediatrics at UHS, highlights the need to keep up with vaccinations in light of the recent spread of measles. “It demonstrates how rapidly a vaccine-preventable illness can spread to vulnerable children and adults, resulting in devastating outcomes,” Dr. DeGuardi stated.
Vaccinations not only protect individual children but also contribute to herd immunity, safeguarding immunocompromised members of families and communities. Parents are reminded of the importance of maintaining a fully vaccinated community.
The CDC reports that childhood vaccinations prevent four million deaths globally each year. By 2030, it is anticipated that measles vaccinations will have saved nearly 19 million lives and hepatitis B vaccinations 14 million lives. Without access to vaccines, children are at risk of preventable diseases that can lead to death, disability, and illness. There are currently more than 25 safe and effective vaccines available to protect health throughout one’s life and help prevent outbreaks.
Parents are encouraged to schedule well visits with their child’s medical provider to ensure vaccinations are up to date. UHS providers are open to discussing the risks and benefits of vaccinations and addressing any concerns.
More information on UHS Pediatric services is available by clicking here.
