Stay on track: Ensure your child’s vaccinations are up to date

Pediatricians at UHS emphasize that staying up to date with your child's vaccine schedule is more important than ever for their overall physical health. Doctors urge parents to keep regular well-child appointments for checkups and vaccinations. Falling behind on immunizations can leave children vulnerable to preventable diseases, which may lead to severe complications if they become infected.

National Infant Immunization Week is the perfect opportunity to ensure your child’s vaccinations are up to date. This annual observance not only highlights the critical role of immunizations in protecting infants from preventable diseases but also recognizes the success of vaccination programs in safeguarding public health. This year, that week is observed from April 24 to 30.

For over a century, childhood immunizations have protected generations of American children, starting with the whooping cough vaccine in 1914. Over the years, other vaccines were introduced, including those for measles and polio. In the 1990s, vaccines were developed against pneumococcal disease and chicken pox. The roster of recommended vaccines was developed with extensive safety and efficacy reviews by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ensuring the highest level of protection for children’s health.

Over time, vaccine formulations have been carefully refined to produce the optimal immune response using the lowest amount of antigen. Pediatricians emphasize the importance of trusting the science behind vaccinations rather than misinformation fueled by fear. Providers dedicate their careers to protecting their patients' health and would never recommend or administer a vaccine unless extensive scientific evidence confirmed that its benefits far outweigh any risks.

Vaccines are often victims of their own success. Thanks to widespread vaccination, most parents today have never seen a case of paralytic polio or measles, even though these viruses still circulate in the United States. According to Mary DeGuardi, MD, director of pediatrics at UHS, the recent spread of measles highlights the need to stay up on vaccines. "It demonstrates how rapidly a vaccine-preventable illness can spread to vulnerable children and adults, resulting in devastating outcomes,” Dr. DeGuardi stated.

It’s also important to remember vaccines don’t just keep your child healthy — they confer herd immunity, protecting immunocompromised individuals in our families, neighborhoods and communities. Parents may never know when their child might need the protection of a fully vaccinated community.

According to the CDC, every year, four million deaths worldwide are prevented by childhood vaccination. It is estimated that by 2030, the measles vaccination will have saved nearly 19 million lives, and the hepatitis B vaccination will save 14 million lives. Lack of access to vaccines can leave children at risk of death, disability and illness from preventable diseases. There are more than 25 safe and effective vaccines to prevent diseases, protect health throughout one’s lifespan, and help to prevent and mitigate outbreaks.

Contact your child's medical provider to schedule a well visit or to check if they might be behind on vaccines. At UHS, providers are always willing to discuss the risks and benefits of the vaccinations and address any concerns.

Get more information on UHS Pediatric services by clicking here.