Childhood immunizations are designed to protect children from a range of potentially serious and contagious diseases. These vaccines work by stimulating the child’s immune system to develop immunity against specific infections, without causing the illness itself. Common childhood vaccines include those for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP), and hepatitis B, among others.
Childhood immunizations are typically administered according to a schedule recommended by health authorities, ensuring that children receive protection at appropriate ages. Vaccinating children not only safeguards their health but also contributes to community health by reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
To ensure your child’s health and compliance with school requirements, schedule their immunizations at Family Health Care & Wellness Center in Hammond, Louisiana. Call 985-543-6800 or fill out the appointment request form below to get started.
How do immunizations work?
Immunizations work by training the immune system to recognize and combat pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria, without causing the disease. This process involves introducing a small, harmless piece of the pathogen—often a protein or inactivated toxin—or a dead or weakened version of the pathogen itself into the body. When the immune system encounters this foreign substance, it responds by producing antibodies and memory cells specific to the pathogen. These memory cells remain in the body long-term, ready to mount a rapid and effective response if the individual is exposed to the actual disease in the future. This immune “memory” helps prevent the onset of illness or significantly reduces its severity.
What are some of the most common childhood immunizations?
The most common types of childhood immunizations include:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella):
- Protects against three serious diseases: measles, which can cause pneumonia and brain swelling; mumps, which can lead to meningitis and hearing loss; and rubella, which can cause birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis):
- Diphtheria: Prevents a severe throat infection that can block breathing and cause heart failure.
- Tetanus: Protects against a bacterial infection that causes painful muscle stiffness and lockjaw.
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Guards against a highly contagious respiratory disease that can be deadly for infants.
- IPV (Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine):
- Protects against polio, a disease that can cause paralysis and is potentially fatal.
- Hepatitis B:
- Shields against hepatitis B virus, which can cause chronic liver infection, liver failure, and liver cancer.
- Varicella (Chickenpox):
- Prevents chickenpox, a contagious disease characterized by itchy, blister-like rashes and can lead to severe skin infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis.
- Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type b):
- Protects against bacterial infections that can cause meningitis, pneumonia, and epiglottitis, a severe throat infection.
- PCV13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine):
- Guards against pneumococcal disease, which can lead to infections of the lungs (pneumonia), blood (bacteremia), and brain (meningitis).
- Rotavirus:
- Prevents rotavirus infections, which cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration in infants and young children.
These immunizations are administered according to a recommended schedule to ensure optimal protection during the most vulnerable stages of a child’s development.
Schedule childhood immunizations in Hammond, Louisiana
Ensure your child’s health and well-being by keeping their immunizations up-to-date. Residents of the greater Hammond, Louisiana area can rely on Family Health Care & Wellness Center for comprehensive vaccination services. Our experienced team is dedicated to protecting your children from preventable diseases through timely and effective immunizations. Don’t wait—schedule childhood immunizations today to provide them with the best defense against serious infections.
Call 985-543-6800 or fill out the form below to request an appointment and safeguard your child’s health with Family Health Care & Wellness Center.
