Congratulations on your new baby! We understand how important it is to develop good health practices from the very beginning and immunization provides an excellent foundation for a healthy start. Immunization protects your new baby from many preventable diseases. Vaccines provide significant protection from 26 vaccine-preventable diseases and are recommended for people of all age groups.
Why should my baby be vaccinated?
Having babies and young children vaccinated is a very important step in protecting their health. Babies and young children are at an increased risk for acquiring infectious diseases because their immune systems do not have the tools to fight off serious infections and diseases. Early vaccination throughout childhood is needed because it helps create immunity before children are exposed to harmful diseases.
To find out more about vaccines for your baby click here.
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines create immunity against disease by removing the part of the virus or bacteria that creates immunity, purifying it and then creating a vaccine. It is important to note that, sometimes after receiving a vaccine, some people may experience minor symptoms while the body's immune system is developing a response, such as fever, body aches or soreness. However, such minor symptoms are normal and should be expected, while the body builds up its immunity.
To find out more about how vaccines work click here.
Are vaccines safe for my baby?
Vaccines are very safe and effective. In fact, vaccines are some of the safest and most effective medications that are available today and they have prevented many dangerous childhood illnesses. Vaccines are only given to children after long and careful review by many scientists, doctors, and healthcare professionals. Vaccination may involve some discomfort or minor pain, redness, or tenderness at the site of injection but this is minimal compared to the pain, discomfort, and trauma of the diseases these vaccines prevent.
The benefit of the protection that children receive from vaccination outweigh the vast majority of possible side effects that could occur. Immunizing your whole family also helps to protect the health of our community. Making sure that your family is vaccinated helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated (children who are too young to be vaccinated, or those who can’t receive vaccines for medical reasons, such as pregnant women and others who are immune suppressed).
To find out more about vaccine safety, please click here.
Below are some other links to other websites with additional information about childhood vaccines and information about immunization.
