Q&A WITH WESLEY WILLIAMS
Children need vaccinations into their teenage and college years for continued wellness
Q: What should Oklahoma parents know about immunizations?
A: Vaccines in children have helped eliminate diseases such as smallpox and polio in the United States. Receiving all scheduled vaccines also helps others stay well, including to ensure those in the community who are too young to receive certain vaccinations and people with decreased immunity. With the school year upon us, we encourage parents to check with their child’s primary care physician to schedule wellness exams and ensure they’re up to date on all vaccines. Also, it’s helpful to know your child’s recommended immunization schedule, which your primary care physician will be able to discuss with you. This gives valuable information on the age your child should receive each vaccine. Infants should start their vaccination schedule right away with the hepatitis B vaccine given within 24 hours of birth. Showing records of completed annual immunizations may be necessary for admission to school, day care and extracurricular activities.
Q: What about older children?
A: As children grow, there are vaccines recommended as they reach preteen and teenage years. Children over the age of 11 are 20 percent less likely to receive well-child visits than children under 4, which increases the likelihood of their missing vaccinations. It’s important to ensure your child is vaccinated into their teenage years for continued wellness. Your primary care physician also will have recommendations for college-age children and young adults. Using the schedule provided by your primary care physician, you can see what immunizations are recommended for the next year. This allows you to understand the benefits of the vaccination as well as any potential side effects that may occur.
Q: Is there anything else of which parents should be aware?
A: A pediatric immunization schedule can be complicated, but thankfully more vaccines are combining protection against multiple diseases. For example, the popular vaccine Pediarix combines the diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B and polio vaccines. Because of this combination, parents should review their child’s immunization records and research the vaccinations their child receives. Any medication, including vaccinations, can cause a severe reaction. Prior to your child receiving a vaccination, parents should ask physicians about the potential side effects. Any concern regarding a possible side effect from a vaccination should be addressed by the child’s physician. But for most vaccinations, side effects are usually mild and can include swelling, mild pain at the injection site, low-grade fever or rash.