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Guideline to vaccinations

-- First 5 Madera County

(Updated: Friday, August 27, 2010, 12:59 PM)

Vaccinations boost a child's immune system and help protect children from serious infections and diseases. It's especially important for parents to make sure children age 5 and younger receive certain childhood vaccinations to help keep them healthy as their bodies grow and immune systems develop.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccine-preventable diseases are now at or near record lows thanks to vaccinations. Before vaccines, many children suffered from diseases that vaccines now prevent, such as whooping cough, measles and polio. Those same germs exist today, but kids are protected by vaccines, so these diseases are not seen as often.

To help kids get ready to start preschool and kindergarten, First 5 Madera County provides parents and caregivers answers to frequently asked questions about vaccinations. Remember to also consult with a family doctor for a child's specific needs.

Pediatricians advise that children receive their first vaccination at birth. The local health department or family doctor can provide an immunization schedule and help decide what is best for a child. Immunization schedules and guidelines are also available on the California Department of Public Health Web site at cdph.ca.gov.

Vaccines are the best way to protect children from serious infections and diseases, including whooping cough and meningitis.

The Food and Drug Administration, along with the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians ensure all vaccines are continually tested and inspected to be sure they are safe for children.

It's important to stick to the immunization schedule your child's doctor or clinic provides because skipping or delaying shots leaves kids at risk for a longer time. Many vaccines require several shots over a certain period of time in order to fully protect children from disease. Your child may also need to be up-to-date on vaccinations before attending school or child care.

At the child's first vaccination, an immunization record or "Yellow Card" will be given.Bring this card to every appointment. The doctor or nurse will mark which shots they gave and when other shots are due. This record will also come in handy when filling out paperwork for school or child care.

Arrive on time for the doctor's appointment and bring your child's favorite toy, book or snack to comfort and keep your child occupied in the waiting room. During the shot, comfort the child by singing a song or telling a story. Afterwards, give the child a big hug.

Vaccines are available to all children, regardless of family income. Many health insurance plans provide children's vaccines for free or for a small fee. If health insurance doesn't cover children's vaccines, there are programs in California that offer free immunizations for eligible children, such as Healthy Families and Medi-Cal.

First 5 Madera County encourages parents to learn more about vaccinations and ways to help protect young kids and keep them healthy. Details: First 5 Madera County at (559) 661-5155, first5california.com/parents.

Research shows that a child's brain develops most dramatically in the first five years and what parents and caregivers do during these years to support their child's growth will have a meaningful impact throughout life.