Immunizations

Article at a Glance

• The 5 S’s can be a good tool for reducing distress in infants.
• Other options may also provide relief.
• Parental mood is important, too.

Article at a Glance

• Getting a flu shot as soon as vaccines are available (usually September) offers the best protection.
• The flu is much more serious than the common cold and can cause serious complications.
• Most people over 6 months old should get a flu shot.

The flu vaccine is important. It can save your family time, money, and may even save the life of someone you love. Flu killed approximately 80,000 people in the United States last flu season, according to the CDC. That record-setting number doesn’t take into account hospitalizations, doctor visits, or days missed at work or school. … Continue reading “2018 Walk-in Flu Shot Clinics”

In 1796, Edward Jenner hypothesized that milkmaids’ apparent immunity to smallpox came from their repeated exposure to the similar but less-devastating cowpox. So, he scratched a milkmaid’s cowpox sore with a needle, then scratched a young local boy with it. Then he exposed the boy to smallpox and the boy did not get sick . … Continue reading “6 Vaccination Myths and Why They are Dangerous”

Article at a glance: The percentage of babies who get an ear infection has dropped in the last 20 years. Doctors believe the decrease is due to the introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, flu vaccines, an increase in breastfeeding, and a decrease in smoking.   According to a recent study, fewer babies are getting … Continue reading “Drop in ear infection rates attributed to vaccines, breastfeeding, and a reduction in smoking”

Article at a Glance

• Help reduce anxiety beforehand by giving minimal, age-appropriate warnings about the upcoming shot.
• During the shot, stay calm and find ways to divert your child's attention with a treat, book, song, or other distraction.
• For babies, things like swaddling and sucking can help reduce pain and crying.

Article at a Glance

• Because of vaccines, diseases that once killed and maimed children are now highly preventable.
• High immunization rates allow us to protect the most vulnerable in our communities, including babies and children with compromised immune systems.
• Before you decide to delay or skip an immunization for your child, please talk to your pediatrician first so we can answer your questions and help you get the facts you need to make this important decision.

Article at a Glance

• Study found that the risk of negative reactions from the vaccines was incredibly low.
• No new safety concerns were found for the MMRV or MMR + V vaccines.

Article at a Glance

• The pneumococcal vaccine is linked with a 62 percent decrease in antibiotic-resistant cases of pneumococcal infections.
• This vaccine is an important step in preventing the spread of antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
• The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for children under five years old, adults 65 or older, or people with health conditions that put them at a higher risk.

Article at a Glance Outbreaks of diseases like pertussis and measles have health officials concerned about parents who have decided not to vaccinate their children. Areas where vaccination rates are low at the highest risk. A few parents share about why they decided to vaccinate their children. Potentially deadly diseases like pertussis and measles were … Continue reading “From Parents: Why We Choose to Vaccinate”