Childhood Vaccines: What Parents Need to Know During the Pandemic

Does your child need immunizations? If you have concerns about venturing into a doctor's office during the COVID-19 pandemic, take a look at answers to the top vaccination questions that parents have.



Is It Safe for Children to Get Vaccines?



Along with standard vaccine concerns, today's parents may also have concerns about the safety of the medical setting during a quarantine. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), recent data shows a decline in childhood vaccinations worldwide.



While it's understandable to have concerns about your child's safety, you need to get the facts before making a decision. If you're not sure whether you can skip your child's next round of immunizations or not, ask the pediatrician:

• What is the office doing to ensure a safe environment? The medical setting faces infection control challenges you may not find in other environments. But the pediatrician and their staff will take plenty of precautions to keep your child safe.
• What rules do you need to follow? Do your part to help the doctor's office maintain health, hygiene, and safety practices. Ask about rules for entry during the office visit. These will vary by practice and local area rules and regulations.
• Are the vaccines safe? Along with office issues, you may still have questions about the safety of the vaccines. The pediatrician can address individual issues and help you to better understand the benefits of immunization.



As you discuss the safety of the vaccines (and office visits) with the doctor, ask about the risks of skipping immunizations. The pediatrician can provide expert information on the common diseases vaccines protect your child against.



What Vaccines Do Children Need?



The answer to this question depends on your child's age. If you're tempted to pick and choose (or skip) a vaccine based on the severity of the disease, discuss this option with your doctor. Even though some childhood diseases are often more severe than others, any illness can have life-changing consequences.



As your child grows, they'll need vaccinations for:

• Hepatitis. The Hepatitis B vaccine schedule starts at birth. By 12-months, your child will also need to start the Hepatitis A series.
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. This series covers all three diseases in one vaccine.
• Mumps, measles, and rubella. This series also includes three diseases. Your child will start this vaccine at 12-months.
• Varicella. The varicella vaccine protects your child against chickenpox.
• Influenza. This annual vaccine protects your child against the seasonal flu. They'll need a new shot every year.
• Polio. The inactivated polio vaccine is given to children under 18-months.
• Human papillomavirus. Your child won't need the HPV vaccine until just before the teen years.
• Meningococcal. This vaccine is also given to older children. Your child may also need the Meningococcal B vaccine in the teen years.



Discuss your child's individual vaccination needs and immunization schedule with the pediatrician. The doctor can help your child to stay on track with their vaccine routine.



What Happens If a Child Misses a Vaccine?



Sometimes children miss vaccines. The doctor understands this is common and knows how to handle the situation. Whether you didn't feel comfortable taking your child to their last doctor's appointment or they missed a vaccine for another reason:

• Contact the doctor. Call the office as soon as possible for guidance and a possible make-up appointment.
• Continue the series. Some vaccines are given in a series of multiple shots. If you missed one of the boosters, the doctor may recommend you continue the series right now. This won't mean your child will need extra immunizations.
• Ask about the date. A seasonal vaccine, such as the flu shot, is typically given during a specific time of the year. There's little benefit of a mid-July make-up for a vaccine missed in the fall or winter. Instead, the doctor may recommend that your child waits for the next season.



If you're not sure whether your child missed a vaccine or not, ask the doctor. The pediatrician's office has a detailed vaccine record to consult.



Does your child need a vaccination during this pandemic? Don't skip this important step; contact Y.H. Parikh & Associates for more information.